Gaming machine, recording medium recorded simulation program for gaming machine therein

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine of the present invention includes: information display controlling unit for allowing display unit to perform switching display from a predetermined display state on the display unit to information regarding a game; operation determining unit for determining whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed by the operation unit; clock counting unit for counting a time in a case where it is determined by the operation determining unit that the predetermined operation by the operation unit has been performed when the information regarding the game is being displayed on the display unit by the information display controlling unit; and display state controlling unit for returning the display state on the display unit to the predetermined display state in a case where the time counted by the clock counting unit has reached a predetermined time while it is being left undetermined by the operation determining unit that the predetermined operation by the operation unit has been performed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon the prior Japanese Patent Application No.2004-025692 filed on Feb. 2, 2004 in the Japanese Patent Office; theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinkogaming machine, and a recording medium recording a simulation program ofthe gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a gaming machine such as a related pachinko gaming machine(“pachinko” refers to a ball-shooting gaming machine in which iron balls(pachinko balls) are shot, and when the iron balls enter specific holesof a gaming machine erected substantially vertically, balls are paidout), demonstration display for enhancing a gaming will of a player isperformed in a predetermined gaming state where variation display of asymbol is not performed. In the demonstration display, an image with ahigh demonstration effect, which is capable of entertaining the player,is displayed. In the case where an operation for displaying gaminginformation is performed by the player during the demonstration display,for example, a guide menu showing that a current state is a state whereit is possible for the player to select any of plural types of thegaming information is displayed. When an operation for selecting thedesired gaming information is performed by the player, the gaminginformation desired by the user is displayed on the gaming machine, andaccordingly, the player can take the displayed gaming information as areference at the time of playing a game, and convenience for the playeris enhanced (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open PublicationNo. 2003-334282).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in the above-described related art, there has been a problem tobe described as below. In the case where information regarding the game,such as the guide menu, is displayed, for example, after thedemonstration display is performed on the gaming machine, it has beennecessary for the player to perform a predetermined operation in orderto display the demonstration again. Therefore, in the case where theplayer plays the game when the information regarding the game, such asthe guide menu, is displayed after the demonstration display isperformed, the guide menu display and the like become useful ones.Meanwhile, in the case where the player does not play the game thoughthe player has viewed the gaming information, frequently, the player hasfelt cumbersome to perform a predetermined operation for returning thedisplay to the demonstration display, and has left the gaming machine ina state where the information regarding the game, such as the guidemenu, is being displayed.

As a result, for example, on the above-described gaming machine, theinformation regarding the game, such as the guide menu, is displayedwithout end, and the demonstration display is not performed.Accordingly, there has been a problem that the player decreases the willto play the game with the above-described gaming machine.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the problem asdescribed above. It is an object of the present invention to provide agaming machine which displays the information regarding the game by theoperation by the player, thereby enhancing the convenience for theplayer, and is capable of avoiding a situation where the informationregarding the game is left displayed, and to provide a recording mediumrecording a simulation program of the gaming machine.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a first aspect of thepresent invention is summarized to be a gaming machine having a displayunit (for example, a liquid crystal display device 4) capable ofchanging a display state in response to a game, and an operation unit(for example, a decision button 301, a selection button 300) operatableby a player, which includes: an information display controlling unit(for example, a sub-CPU 41) for allowing the display unit to performswitching display from a predetermined display state (for example, astate where a demonstration effect is being displayed) on the displayunit to information regarding the game (for example, a state where aguide menu is being displayed); an operation determining unit (forexample, the sub-CPU 41) for determining whether or not a predeterminedoperation has been performed by the operation unit; a clock countingunit (for example, the sub-CPU 41) for counting a time in a case whereit is determined by the operation determining unit that thepredetermined operation by the operation unit has been performed whenthe information regarding the game is being displayed on the displayunit by the information display controlling unit; and a display statecontrolling unit (for example, the sub-CPU 41) for returning the displaystate on the display unit to the predetermined display state in a casewhere the time counted by the clock counting unit has reached apredetermined time while it is being left undetermined by the operationdetermining unit that the predetermined operation by the operation unithas been performed.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when theinformation regarding the game is being displayed on the display unit,in the case where the operation determining unit determines that thepredetermined operation has been performed by the operation unit, theclock counting unit performs the time count process. In the case wherethe time counted by the clock counting unit has reached thepredetermined time while it is being left undetermined by the operationdetermining unit that the predetermined operation has been performed,the display state controlling unit returns the display state (forexample, the state where the guide menu is being displayed) on thedisplay unit to the predetermined display state (for example, the statewhere the demonstration effect is being displayed). Accordingly, even ifthe player leaves the gaming machine in a state where the informationregarding the game is being displayed on the display unit, such a statewhere the information regarding the game is left displayed can beavoided.

A second aspect of the present invention is summarized to be a recordingmedium recording a program for allowing a computer to execute asimulation of a gaming machine having a display unit capable of changinga display state in response to a game, and an operation unit operatableby a player, the program including: an information display controlprocess which allows the display unit to perform switching display froma predetermined display state on the display unit to informationregarding the game; an operation determination process which determineswhether or not a predetermined operation has been performed by theoperation unit; a clock counting process which counts a time in a casewhere it is determined by the operation determination process that thepredetermined operation by the operation unit has been performed whenthe information regarding the game is being displayed on the displayunit by the information display control process; and a display statecontrol process which returns the display state on the display unit tothe predetermined display state in a case where the time counted by theclock counting process has reached a predetermined time while it isbeing left undetermined by the operation determination process that thepredetermined operation by the operation unit has been performed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when theinformation regarding the game is being displayed on the display unit,in the case where the operation determining process determines that thepredetermined operation has been performed by the operation unit, theclock counting process performs the time count process. In the casewhere the time counted by the clock counting process has reached thepredetermined time while it is being left undetermined that thepredetermined operation has been performed, the display state controlprocess returns the display state (for example, the state where theguide menu is being displayed) on the display unit to the predetermineddisplay state (for example, the state where the demonstration effect isbeing displayed). Accordingly, even if the player leaves the gamingmachine in the state where the information regarding the game is beingdisplayed on the display unit, such a state where the informationregarding the game is left displayed can be avoided.

Hence, according to the first or second aspect of the present invention,the information regarding the game is displayed by the operation by theplayer, and thus the convenience for the player is enhanced, and thestate where the information regarding the game is left displayed can beavoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overview view of a gaming machine 1 according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the gaming machine 1 according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the gaming machine 1according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing operations of the gaming machine1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a switch input detection process accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a special symbol-related switch inputprocess according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a special symbol control process accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special symbol memory checking processaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a variable display pattern selection tableaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a main process of a sub-control circuitof the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a command reception process according tothe first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a system timer intervention process ofthe sub-control circuit of the gaming machine according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A to 13E are views showing an example of demonstration effectdisplays according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a selection button input checking processaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15A to 15D are views showing examples of displays of guide menusand displays of game information, which are displayed on a liquidcrystal display device 4 according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a decision button input checking processaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are views showing examples of the displays of thegaming information displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of the display of the gaminginformation displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of the display of the gaminginformation displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of the display of the gaminginformation displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of a display of a regular menudisplayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of the display of the gaminginformation displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a view showing an example of the display of the gaminginformation displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a usual background image selection tableaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a command reception process according tothe second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 26A to 26F are views showing special symbols and usual backgroundimages, which are displayed on a liquid crystal display device accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 27G to 27L are views showing special symbols, transfer images, andspecial background images, which are displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay device according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 28 is a view showing special symbols and a usual background image,which are displayed on the liquid crystal display device according tothe second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a starting opening detection-time processaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a variable display pattern decisionprocess according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a variable display pattern selection tableaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a command reception process according tothe third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a previously noticed effect data selectiontable according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 34A to 34C are views showing examples of previously noticedeffects according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 35A to 35C are views showing examples of the previously noticedeffects according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 36A to 36C are views showing examples of the previously noticedeffects according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 37A to 37C are views showing examples of variable displays andeffect displays based on a variable display pattern of a “super reachjackpot (special winning)” for a continuous announcement according tothe third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 38A to 38D are diagrams showing variable display pattern selectiontables in Modification example 1 of the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 39A to 39C are views showing gaming panel bases in Modificationexample 1 of the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a view showing an arrangement relationship between a liquidcrystal display device and peripheral portions thereof in Modificationexample 2 of the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a view showing an arrangement relationship of a video deviceby a projector system in Modification example 3 of the first to thirdembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 42A and 42B are views for explaining a method of executing asimulation in Modification example 4 of the first to third embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a view for explaining the method of executing the simulationin Modification example 4 of the first to third embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description will be made below of first to third embodiments of thepresent invention based on the drawings.

(First Embodiment)

A description will be made of a configuration of a ball-shooting gamingmachine (hereinafter, referred to as a gaming machine) 1 according to afirst embodiment while referring to the drawings. FIG. 1 is aperspective view showing the whole of the gaming machine 1 according tothe first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded explanatory view showing astate where the respective portions constituting the gaming machine 1are disassembled.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame80 for fixing the gaming machine 1 to a game island (the game islandrefers to one block where the gaming machines are installed) provided ina game arcade, and a base door 60 attached to the outer frame 80. On anupper left portion and a lower left portion on a front surface of theouter frame 80, hinge projection portions 80 a are provided. On an upperleft portion and a lower left portion on a front surface of the basedoor 60, hinge recess portions 60 c are provided. The hinge projectionportions 80 a are fitted to the hinge recess portions 60 c, and the basedoor 60 is thus attached to the outer frame 80 so as to be openable andclosable. The base door 60 is also a body portion constituting a body ofthe gaming machine.

On a back surface of the base door 60, a rail portion (not shown)capable of inserting a liquid crystal display device 4 thereinto from anoverhead side of the base door 60 is provided. In a state where theliquid crystal display device 4 is inserted into this rail portion, theliquid crystal display device 4 is attached to the base door 60. Theliquid crystal display device 4 is a display device having a displayarea visually recognizable by a player through a transparent member of agaming panel base 32. The liquid crystal display device 4 is displayingunit where a display state is changeable in response to gaming. Theliquid crystal display device 4 is variable displaying unit whichperforms a variable display of a special symbol when a predeterminedstarting condition is established. Specifically, the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 executes the variable display of the special symbol onthe display area under a condition where a gaming ball has passedthrough a starting area provided in a starting opening 6. The variabledisplay of the special symbol is executed based on a jackpot determiningrandom number value extracted under the condition where the gaming ballhas passed through the starting area, and the like. Here, the randomnumbers refer to numbers of which appearing values do not haveregularities. For the random numbers here, not perfect random numbersbut pseudo random numbers which can be regarded as random numbers may beused.

In the state where the liquid crystal display device 4 is inserted intothe above-described rail portion, the display area of the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 is disposed at a position opposite to an openingportion 60 e of the base door 60.

On an upper portion of the front surface of the base door 60, openingportions 60d capable of having speakers 50 fitted thereinto areprovided, and the speakers 50 are fitted into the opening portions 60 d.

Onto a center of the front surface of the base door 60, a gaming panel30 a to which a spacer 110 is attached is attached so as to bedetachable therefrom. On the spacer 110, there are provided ailluminating light-emitting board, an illuminating lens member, a ballpassage portion as a passage of the gaming balls, and the like. In astate where the gaming panel 30 a is attached to the front surface ofthe base door 60, a gaming area of the gaming panel 30 a is disposed ata position opposite to the opening portion 60 e of the base door 60. Thegaming panel 30 a includes the gaming panel base 32, and a variety ofgaming members (a first gaming ball guiding member 3 and the like) to bedescribed later, which are arranged on the gaming panel base 32. Atleast a part of the gaming panel base 32 is formed of the transparentmember through which the display area of the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 is visually recognizable when viewed from a front surface sidethereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the gaming panel base 32 of the gaming panel 30a, there are provided the first gaming ball guiding member 3, a secondgaming ball guiding member 2, regular winning openings 5, the startingopening 6, an out opening 7, and a special winning opening 8.

The first gaming ball guiding member 3 and the second gaming ballguiding member 2 are ones which largely change a flowing-down directionof the gaming balls. The first gaming ball guiding member 3 is composedof a wall body which is disposed so as to be located on an upper portionof the gaming area where the gaming balls are able to flow down and iserected perpendicularly to a surface of the gaming panel 30 a. Thesecond gaming ball guiding member 2 is composed of a wall body which isprovided so as to be located on a lower portion of the gaming areaconcerned and is erected perpendicularly to the surface of the gamingpanel 30 a.

The regular winning openings 5 are composed so that, when the gamingball enters any of the regular winning openings 5 concerned, apredetermined number (for example, fifteen) of gaming balls (winningballs) can be paid out. The winning balls refer to balls paid back asgains for the fact that the ball has entered the winning opening. Thestarting opening 6 is composed so that a random number value for jackpotdetermination, a random number value for jackpot symbol determination,and the like can be extracted when the gaming ball has entered thestarting opening 6 concerned. The out opening 7 receives the gamingballs which have not entered any of the starting opening 6, the specialwinning opening 8, and the regular winning openings 5. The specialwinning opening 8 includes a specific area (a so-called V-zone) and aregular area, and is controlled so as to open and close according to apredetermined setting in response to a result of the jackpotdetermination based on the random number value for the jackpotdetermination.

On the upper left portion of the front surface of the base door 60, ahinge recess portion 60 f (a state of the recess is not shown) isprovided, and on a center left portion of the front surface, a hingeprojection portion 60 g (a state of the projection is not shown) isprovided. On an upper left portion of a back surface of a glass frame10, a hinge projection portion (not shown) is provided, and on a centerleft portion of the back surface, a hinge recess portion (not shown) isprovided. The hinge projection portion provided on the glass frame 10 isfitted into the hinge recess portion 60 f provided on the upper leftportion of the base door 60, the hinge recess portion provided on theglass frame 10 is fitted onto the hinge projection portion 60 g, and theglass frame 10 is thus attached to the base door 60 so as to be openableand closable. A hinge projection portion (not shown) provided on a backsurface of a receiving tray 20 is fitted into the hinge recess portion60 f provided on the lower left portion of the front surface of the basedoor 60, and the receiving tray 20 is attached to the base door 60 so asto be openable and closable. Into the glass frame 10, a front glass 11which covers the front surface of the gaming panel 30 a is fitted.

To the lower portion of the front surface of the base door 60, thereceiving tray 20 is attached. The receiving tray 20 is composed of anupper receiving tray for reserving the gaming balls paid out owing tothe winning balls, and the like, and a lower receiving tray forreserving the gaming balls which have overflown the upper receivingtray, and the like.

Onto a right side of the receiving tray 20 attached to the front surfaceof the base door 60, a launcher handle unit 40 a is attached.Specifically, the launcher handle unit 40 a is engaged with a lowerright portion of the base door 60, and the launcher handle unit 40 a isthus attached to the base door 60. On the lower right side of the basedoor 60, a through hole 60 z for inserting a harness (not shown; aharness for connecting a volume switch and a launcher device 82 to bedescribed later to each other) provided in the launcher handle unit 40 atherethrough is provided.

On a right side (a left side when viewed from the front side) of theback surface of the base door 60, a first unit portion 90 is attachedthrough a hinge mechanism (not shown) so as to be openable and closable.In the first unit portion 90, there are provided a ball tank forreserving the gaming balls, a payout device for paying out the gamingballs for rental or winning, a gaming ball passage as a passage of thegaming balls such as the rental balls and the winning balls, and thelike. The rental balls refer to balls rented out to the player.

On a left side (a right side when viewed from the front side) of theback surface of the base door 60, a second unit portion 100 is attached.In the second unit portion 100, there are provided a display controlboard which makes a display control for the symbol displayed on theliquid crystal display device 4, a lamp control board which makesturning-on and flashing controls for a variety of lamps arranged on thefront surface and the like of the gaming panel 30 a, a main controlboard which controls overall gaming processes including a jackpotdetermination, a payout/launch control board which makes a controlregarding the payout of the rental balls and the winning balls and acontrol regarding the launch of the gaming balls, a power supply boardwhich supplies power necessary for operations of the respective boards,and the like.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control unit of the gaming machine 1according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unitof the gaming machine 1 is composed of a main control circuit 30, asub-control circuit 40, and a payout/launch control circuit 83.

The main control circuit 30 includes a main CPU 31, a main ROM 34, amain RAM 33, and an IC 36 for serial communication.

To the main control circuit 30, there are connected a V-count switch 28Sfor counting the number of gaming balls which have passed through thespecific area (V-zone) provided in the special winning opening 8, acount switch 29S for counting the number of gaming balls which havepassed through the regular area provided in the special winning opening8, a regular winning ball switch 17S for detecting that the gaming ballhas won the regular winning openings 5, a passed ball switch 7S fordetecting that a gaming ball has passed a regular symbol activation gate(not shown), a starting winning ball switch 6S for detecting that thegaming ball has passed the starting area provided in the startingopening 6, a starting opening solenoid 6 a for opening and closing apair of blades provided in the starting opening 6, a special winningopening solenoid 8 a for opening and closing a gate of the specialwinning opening 8, and a seesaw solenoid 8 b for driving a seesaw whichdistributes the gaming balls which have entered the special winningopening 8 to the specific area and the regular area.

The main CPU 31 performs the respective processes in a “system timerintervention process (refer to FIG. 4A)” and a “main process (refer toFIG. 4B)”, which are to be described later.

The main CPU 31 counts the number of starting memories as describedabove, and stores the counted number of starting memories in the mainRAM 33. The main CPU 31 detects that the number of starting memoriesstored in the main RAM 33 has reached a predetermined number of startingmemories (for example, four).

The main CPU 31 is jackpot determining unit for determining the jackpotunder a condition where the gaming ball has passed through the startingarea. In other words, the main CPU 31 is specific gaming statedetermining unit for determining that the gaming state has transferredto a jackpot gaming state (an example of a specific gaming state)advantageous for the player when a predetermined starting condition isestablished, that is, when the gaming ball has passed through thestarting area provided in the starting opening 6. Specifically, the mainCPU 31 extracts the determining random number value under a conditionwhere an input signal inputted by the starting winning ball switch 6S isdetected, that is, under a condition where the gaming ball has passedthrough the starting area provided in the starting opening 6, andperforms the jackpot determination (determination that the gaming statehas transferred to the jackpot gaming state) based on the extractedjackpot determining random number value.

The main CPU 31 is gaming controlling unit for transferring the gamingstate to the jackpot gaming state advantageous for the player when aresult of the variable display of the special symbol displayed on theliquid crystal display device 4 has become a predetermined variabledisplay result (for example, a display result representing 7-7-7), thatis, when it is determined that the gaming state is to be transferred tothe jackpot gaming state.

The main CPU 31 is variable display pattern deciding unit for deciding avariable display pattern for executing the variable display of thespecial symbol based on the jackpot determination result. Specifically,the main CPU 31 determines that the predetermined starting condition isestablished when the gaming ball has passed through the starting area,and generates and sets a variable display pattern command whichinstructs the variable display pattern for executing the variabledisplay of the special symbol and a command which instructs a stoppingsymbol of the variable display based on the jackpot determinationresult.

The main CPU 31 controls the special winning opening solenoid 8 a toopen and close the gate of the special winning opening 8 when the gamingstate has transferred to the jackpot gaming state. The main CPU 31controls the seesaw solenoid 8 b to drive the seesaw.

The main CPU 31 detects input signals inputted by the respectiveswitches such as the regular winning ball switch 17S, the V-count switch28S, and the count switch 29S, and generates a command which issues aninstruction to pay out the predetermined number of gaming balls as thewinning balls.

In the first embodiment, the main CPU 31 constitutesnumber-of-starting-memories counting unit for counting the number ofstarting memories stored in the main RAM 33, andnumber-of-starting-memories detecting unit for detecting that the numberof starting memories has reached the predetermined number of startingmemories.

The main ROM 34 stores programs for performing the respective processesin the “system timer intervention process (refer to FIG. 4A)” and the“main process (refer to FIG. 4B)”, which are to be described later, andthe like.

The main RAM 33 is composed of a DRAM and the like, and stores thestarting memories (including the jackpot determining random numbervalue), and the like. The main RAM 33 includes a starting memory counterfor storing the number of starting memories, which is counted by themain CPU 31.

In the first embodiment, the main RAM 33 is starting storing unit forstoring, as such a staring memory, the fact that the gaming ball haspassed through the starting area, as well as decision information fordeciding the variable display result, until there comes a state where itis possible to execute the variable display of the special symbol whenit is impossible to execute the variable display of the special symbol,which corresponds to the passage of the gaming ball through the startingarea, though the gaming ball has passed through the starting areaconcerned. The above-described decision information refers to thejackpot determining random number value and a random number value for ajackpot symbol, which are to be described later.

The IC 36 for serial communication outputs the respective commands setby the main CPU 31 to the sub-control circuit 40.

The sub-control circuit 40 includes a sub-CPU 41, a sub-Rom 42, asub-RAM 43, an image control circuit 45, a voice control circuit 46, anda lamp control circuit 47.

The sub-CPU 41 controls the image control circuit 45, the voice controlcircuit 46, and the lamp control circuit 47 in response to the varietyof commands received from the main control circuit 30. To the sub-CPU41, a decision button 301 and a selection button 300 are connected asoperating unit for which operations (for example, pressing operations)by the player are possible.

The sub-CPU 41 is display controlling unit for controlling the displayon the liquid crystal display device 4. For example, the sub-CPU 41 isinformation display controlling unit for allowing the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 to perform switched display from a predetermineddisplay state (for example, a display state of demonstration effects) onthe liquid crystal display device 4 to display of information (forexample, display of a guide menu) regarding the game thereon.

The sub-CPU 41 is operation determining unit for determining whether ornot a predetermined operation such as the pressing operation of thedecision button 301 and the pressing operation of the selection button300 is performed by the decision button 301 or the selection button 300.Specifically, the sub-CPU 41 makes the above-described determinationunder a condition where the gaming state is a plying state where apredetermined game is not played. A specific description of the above isas follows.

For example, when the player performs the pressing operation for theselection button 300, an operation signal is sent from the selectionbutton 300 to the sub-CPU 41. When the player performs the pressingoperation for the decision button 301, an operation signal is sent fromthe decision button 301 to the sub-CPU 41. Upon receiving the operationsignal from the selection button 300, the sub-CPU 41 determines that thepressing operation for the selection button 300 has been performed, andupon receiving the operation signal from the decision button 301, thesub-CPU 41 determines that the pressing operation for the decisionbutton 301 has been performed. A detailed description of processesperformed by the operation for the decision button 301 and the operationfor the selection button 300 will be made in a description of an inputchecking process of the selection button 300 in Step 310 and an inputchecking process of the decision button 301 in Step 320, which are to bedescribed later.

The sub-ROM 42 stores programs for controlling the image control circuit45, the voice control circuit 46, and the lamp control circuit 47. Forexample, in the sub-ROM 42, background display data is stored, whichincludes a background display pattern by which the image control circuit45 allows the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform backgroundscroll display, deceleration of the background scroll display, stoppingof the background scroll display, and static display of a backgroundimage at a time of the stopping. In the sub-ROM 42, there are storeddemonstration effect data including a demonstration effect pattern forallowing the liquid crystal display device 4 to display thedemonstration effects, guide menu display data including a guide menudisplay pattern for allowing the liquid crystal display device 4 todisplay the guide menu, gaming information display data including agaming information display pattern for allowing the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 to display the respective pieces of gaming information,data including a variety of effect patterns for allowing the liquidcrystal display device 4 to display effect images, and the like.

The sub-RAM 43 is composed of the DRAM and the like, and stores thevariety of commands received from the main control circuit 30.

The image control circuit 45 is one which executes the display such asthe variable display of the special symbol on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 in response to the instructions from the sub-CPU 41. The imagecontrol circuit 45 includes an image data ROM 54, a video displayprocessor (VDP) 51, a D/A converter 52, an initial reset circuit 53, anda VRAM 55. The image data ROM 54 stores a variety of image data. The VDP51 generates data for executing the display such as the variable displayof the special symbol by using the image data stored in the image dataROM 54 based on the instructions from the sub-CPU 41. The D/A converter52 converts the display image data generated by the VDP 51 into ananalog signal. The initial reset circuit 53 returns a variety ofsettings to initial values thereof in the case of abnormalities. Theinstructions from the above-described sub-CPU 41 are instructions basedon control data set in a predetermined work area of the sub-RAM 43 so asto correspond to the command received from the main control circuit 30.

Here, to the VDP 51, the VRAM 55 in which two buffer areas are providedis connected. Based on the instructions from the sub-CPU 41, which aretransmitted every predetermined time (for example, every 1/30 second),the VDP 51 performs the following processes in the case of generatingthe data for executing the display on the liquid crystal display device4. The VDP 51 reads out predetermined image data from the image ROM 54,and expands the read image data on the VRAM 55, and further, reads outthe expanded image data from the VRAM 55. Specifically, the VDP 51performs an expansion process for one of the buffer areas provided inthe VRAM 55, and reads out the image data already subjected to theexpansion process from the other buffer area. Based on the instructionof the sub-CPU 41, the VDP 51 switches the buffer area to be subjectedto the expansion process and the buffer area to be read out every timeof receiving the instruction. The VDP 51 allows the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 to scan the read image data through the D/A converter52, thereby displaying the read image data on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4.

The image data ROM 54 stores background image data for displaying thebackground on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 4,demonstration effect image data for displaying the demonstrationeffects, guide menu image data for displaying the guide menu, and gaminginformation image data for displaying a variety of gaming information(for example, a reach flow, reach frequency information, and the like,which are to be described later). The respective image data include aplurality of pixel data (data per dot) necessary for displaying therespective images on the display screen of the liquid crystal displaydevice 4.

The sub-CPU 41 is display controlling unit for performing the displaycontrol for the liquid crystal display device 4. For example, thesub-CPU 41 is effect display controlling unit for allowing the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform a predetermined plying effectdisplay (for example, the demonstration effect display) when the gamingstate is the plying state where the predetermined game is not played. Adetailed description of this process will be made as below.

Upon receiving the demonstration effect command from the main controlcircuit 30 when the gaming state is the plying state where thepredetermined game is not played, the sub-CPU 41 sets the demonstrationeffect data. The plying state mentioned here refers to a state withoutthe starting memory, for example, where the variable display of thespecial symbol is not performed, or the jackpot gaming is not performed.In the case of having read out the demonstration effect data from thesub-ROM 42, followed by the setting, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51to allow the liquid crystal display device 4 to display the respectivepixel data included in the demonstration image data individually onpredetermined positions on the display screen (for example, onX-coordinates and Y-coordinates in the case of setting a longitudinaldirection as a Y-axis, a lateral direction as an X-axis, and apredetermined position as an origin on the display screen of the liquidcrystal display device 4) for a predetermined time based on ademonstration effect pattern included in the demonstration effect data.Based on the instruction from the sub-CPU 41, the VDP 51 reads out thedemonstration image data from the image data ROM 54, and displays therespective pixel data included in the above-described demonstrationeffect image data on the predetermined positions on the display screenthrough the expansion process and the reading process for the VRAM 55.The sub-CPU 41 changes the data for issuing the instruction to the VDP51 with the elapse of time, thereby allowing the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to perform the demonstration effect display.

The sub-CPU 41 is gaming information selection display controlling unitfor allowing the liquid crystal display device 4 to display the image ofthe guide menu (gaming information selection image) representing thatthe current state is a state where the player is capable of selectingany gaming information among the plurality of gaming information under acondition where the operation for allowing the display of the gaminginformation regarding the game has been performed by the decision button301 or the selection button 300 in the case where the demonstrationeffect display is being performed on the liquid crystal display device4. A detailed description of this process will be made as below.

The sub-CPU 41 sets the guide menu display data upon receiving theoperation signal from the decision button 301 or the selection button300 in the case where the demonstration effect data is being set. Aftersetting the guide menu display data, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51to allow the liquid crystal display device 4 to display the respectivepixel data included in the guide menu image data individually on thepredetermined positions on the display screen based on the guide menudisplay pattern included in the guide menu display data. Based on theinstruction from the sub-CPU 41, the VDP 51 reads out the guide menuimage data from the image data ROM 54, allows the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to display the respective pixel data included in the guide menuimage data on the predetermined positions through the expansion processand the reading processing for the VRAM 55, thereby allowing the liquidcrystal display device 4 to display the guide menu. On this display ofthe guide menu, there are displayed item images showing itemscorresponding to names of the gaming information, an image forexplaining functions of the selection button 300 and the decision button301, and an image of a predetermined character. On the display of theguide menu, there are displayed a cursor image indicating any item imageamong the respective item images, an image of the item name indicated bythe cursor image, and a comment image showing a simple comment to theitem concerned.

The sub-CPU 41 sets item switching display data upon receiving theoperation signal from the selection button 300 while the guide menudisplay data is being set. In the case of having set the item switchingdisplay data, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to move, for example,a display position of the cursor image to a position indicating an itemimage under the currently indicated item image. However, such a movementtarget position may be a position indicating an item image above thecurrently indicated item image. The VDP 51 executes the instruction fromthe sub-CPU 41, and the display position of the cursor image on theliquid crystal display device 4 is thus moved from the position of thecurrently indicated item image to the position indicating the item imagethereunder. The sub-CPU 41 manages the item currently indicated by thecursor image.

The sub-CPU 41 is gaming information display controlling unit forallowing the liquid crystal display device 4 to display the gaminginformation selected from the plurality of gaming information when theoperation for selecting any gaming information among the plurality ofgaming information is performed by the decision button 301 in the casewhere the guide menu is being displayed on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4. A detailed description of this process will be made as below.

Upon receiving the operation signal from the decision button 301 whilethe guide menu display data is being set, the sub-CPU 41 sets gaminginformation display data (for example, reach flow display data)corresponding to the item image currently indicated by the cursor image.The sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to allow the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to display the respective pixel data included in predeterminedgaming information image data (for example, reach flow image data)individually on predetermined positions on the display screen based onthe gaming information display pattern (for example, a reach flowdisplay pattern) included in the gaming information display data. TheVDP 51 reads out the above-described predetermined gaming informationimage data from the image data ROM 54 based on the above-describedinstruction. The VDP 51 performs the expansion process and the readingprocess for the VRAM 55, and thus, on the liquid crystal display device4, the respective pixel data included in the above-describedpredetermined gaming information image data are displayed on thepredetermined positions on the display screen, and the predeterminedgaming information (for example, reach flow) is displayed.

The sub-CPU 41 is background display controlling unit for allowing theliquid crystal display device 4 to perform the background scroll displayas display to move the background image in a predetermined direction inresponse to the gaming state. In the above-described background scrolldisplay, the sub-CPU 41 allows the liquid crystal display device 4 toperform the display to move, in the predetermined direction, thebackground image displayed when the guide menu is displayed. Forexample, in the gaming state where the variable display is not performedor the jackpot gaming state is not performed, the sub-CPU 41 allows theliquid crystal display device 4 to perform the background scroll displayas well as the display of the guide menu. In this case, the CPU 41performs the display control while setting a moving speed of thebackground image on the background scroll display at a predeterminedmoving speed.

A specific description will be made of this process as below. In thecase where the guide menu display data has been set, based on thebackground display pattern included in predetermined background displaydata, the sub-CPU 41 transmits the instruction to display the backgroundto the VDP 51 every predetermined time, and changes the data forinstructing the VDP 51 with the elapse of time. The respective pixeldata in the background image data stored in the image data ROM 54 areassociated, for example, with predetermined coordinates on the areawhere the above-described background image data is expanded in the VRAM55 (for example, the X-coordinates and the Y-coordinates in the case ofsetting the longitudinal direction as the Y-axis, the lateral directionas the Y-axis, and the predetermined position as the origin on theabove-described area). For example, the area where the above-describedbackground image data is expanded in the VRAM 55 is assumed to belocated in a range from Xa to Xz in the X-direction and in a range fromYa to Yz in the Y-direction.

The sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to allow the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to display the background by using image data corresponding toa predetermined area (area corresponding to a size of the display screenarea of the liquid crystal display device 4) among the background imagedata stored in the image data ROM 54 while taking a specific coordinate(for example, X1, Y1) as a reference. Then, the sub-CPU 41 instructs theVDP 51 on the background image display so that the background scrolldisplay can be performed on the liquid crystal display device 4 everyfixed time (for example, every T1). In this case, the sub-CPU 41instructs the VDP 51 to increase (decrease) an X-value by apredetermined amount from the above-described specific coordinate (forexample, X1, Y1) every fixed time, and to allow the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 to display the background by using the image datacorresponding to the above-described predetermined area among thebackground image data while taking a coordinate indicating a result ofthe increase (or the decrease) as a reference coordinate.

For example, when it is time Tx, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 toallow the liquid crystal display device 4 to display the background byusing image data corresponding to a predetermined area while taking thecoordinate (X1, Y1) as a reference. Then, when it is time Tx+T1, thesub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to allow the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to display the background by using image data corresponding toa predetermined area while taking a coordinate (X1+X0, Y1) as areference. When it is time Tx+2·T1, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51to allow the liquid crystal display device 4 to display the backgroundby using image data corresponding to a predetermined area while taking acoordinate (X1+2·X0, Y1) as a reference. As described above, thereference coordinate for the background display is changed with theelapse of time (for example, X1, X1+X0, X1+2·X0 . . . ).

When the X-coordinate of the reference coordinate becomes Xw as a valueexceeding Xz, the X-coordinate is set at Xw-Xz. The moving speed of thebackground image is a value, for example, determined by an expressionof: (variation of the above-described referencecoordinate)/(predetermined fixed time). In the first embodiment, as anexample, the moving speed of the background image is a predeterminedmoving speed (X0/T1).

The VDP 51 executes the above-described instructions through theexpansion process and the reading process for the VRAM 55, and thus, inthe liquid crystal display device 4, the background scroll display isperformed at the predetermined moving speed as well as the display ofthe guide menu.

The sub-CPU 41 is stopping condition determining unit for determiningwhether a predetermined background scroll stopping condition isestablished in the background scroll display. The sub-CPU 41 determinesthat the background scroll stopping condition is established in the casewhere a predetermined stopping operation has been performed by thedecision button 301. A specific description will be made as below of anexample.

For example, in the case where the background scroll display isperformed as described above as well as the display of the guide menu onthe liquid crystal display device 4, the player performs an operation topress the selection button 300, and the position of the cursor image isthus switched. Here, the player performs an operation to press thedecision button 301 for selecting gaming information corresponding to apredetermined item image. This operation is one which corresponds to apredetermined stopping operation for stopping the background scrolldisplay. An operation signal by the decision button 301 is sent to thesub-CPU 41. Upon receiving the operation signal by the decision button301 in the case where the background scroll display is being displayed(for example, the case where the guide menu is being displayed) on theliquid crystal display device 4, the sub-CPU 41 determines that thebackground scroll stopping condition is established.

The sub-CPU 41 is also background display stopping controlling unit forstopping the background scroll display on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 and for statically displaying the background image at the timeof the stopping when it is determined that the background scrollstopping condition is established. For example, when the operation forselecting any gaming information is performed by the decision button301, the sub-CPU 41 stops the background scroll display on the liquidcrystal display device 4, and statically displays the background imageat the time of the stopping. Specifically, the sub-CPU 41 stops thebackground scroll display after the moving speed of the background imagein the background scroll display is decelerated from the above-describedpredetermined moving speed. A specific description will be made as belowof this process.

After setting the predetermined gaming information display data asdescribed above, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 on the backgrounddisplay every predetermined time so that the deceleration and thestopping of the background scroll display can be performed.Specifically, the sub-CPU 41 changes the data for issuing theinstruction to the VDP 51 every fixed time (for example, every T1) sothat the background scroll display can be performed on the liquidcrystal display device 4. In this case, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP51 to increase (or decrease) the X-value every fixed time so that anincrement (or decrement) thereof can be reduced with the elapse of timefrom the reference coordinate at the point of time when thepredetermined gaming information display data is set, and to allow theliquid crystal display device 4 to display the background by using imagedata corresponding to the above-described predetermined area among thebackground image data while taking a coordinate indicating a result ofthe increase (or the decrease) as a reference coordinate.

For example, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to allow the liquidcrystal display device 4 to display the background by using the imagedata corresponding to the above-described predetermined area among thebackground image data while taking the coordinate (X1, Y1) as areference at the time Tx as the point of time when the predeterminedgaming information display data is set. The sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP51 to allow the liquid crystal display device 4 to display thebackground by using the image data corresponding to the above-describedpredetermined area among the background image data while taking acoordinate (X1+Xα, Y1) as a reference at the time Tx+T1. The sub-CPU 41instructs the VDP 51 to allow the liquid crystal display device 4 todisplay the background by using the image data corresponding to theabove-described predetermined area among the background image data whiletaking a coordinate (X1+Xα+Xβ, Y1) as a reference at the time Tx+2·T1.Moreover, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to allow the liquidcrystal display device 4 to display the background by using the imagedata corresponding to the above-described predetermined area among thebackground image data while taking a coordinate (X1+Xα+Xβ+Xγ, Y1) as areference at a time Tx+3·T1. Here, the value of Xγ is smaller than thevalue of Xβ, and the value of Xβ is smaller than the value of Xα. TheVDP 51 executes the above-described instructions transmitted everypredetermined time, and thus the moving speed of the background image inthe background image scroll display on the liquid crystal display device4 is decelerated with the elapse of time from the predetermined movingspeed.

Finally, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to allow the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 to display the background by using the image datacorresponding to the above-described predetermined area among thebackground image data while taking the same coordinate (X1+Xα+Xβ+Xγ+ . .. Xθ (Xθ<Xγ), Y1) as a reference irrespective of the elapse of time. TheVDP 51 executes the above-described instructions, and thus the movingspeed of the background image in the background image scroll display onthe liquid crystal display device 4 becomes zero, the background scrolldisplay is stopped, and the background image is statically displayed.

When the operation for selecting any gaming information among theplurality of gaming information is performed by the decision button 301,the sub-CPU 41 allows the background scroll display on the liquidcrystal display device 4 to be stopped, and allows the background imageat the time of the stopping to be statically displayed. Specifically, inthe case where the guide menu is displayed on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 and the cursor image indicates the predetermined item image,when the player performs the operation for the decision button 301, theoperation signal thereof is sent to the sub-CPU 41. The sub-CPU 41 setsthe gaming information display data corresponding to the predetermineditem image, and as described above, allows the background scroll displayon the liquid crystal display device 4 to be stopped, and allows thebackground image at the time of the stopping to be statically displayed.

The sub-CPU 41 includes a clock counter which counts the time in thecase where it is determined by an operation determination function thatthe operation by the decision button 301 or the predetermined operationby the selection button 300 is performed when the information regardingthe game (for example, the guide menu, the respective pieces of gaminginformation) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 by aninformation display control function.

For example, in the case where it is determined that the predeterminedoperation by the decision button 301 or the selection button 300 isperformed when the guide menu is displayed on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 by the information display control function, the clock countercounts an elapsed time from the time when it has been determined thatthe predetermined operation by the decision button 301 or the selectionbutton 300 was performed.

The clock counter may count the elapsed time from the time when thepredetermined operation for performing the switching display to theinformation regarding the game by the decision button 301 or theselection button 300 was performed no matter whether the informationregarding the game might be displayed on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 by the information display control function.

The sub-CPU 41 is display state controlling unit for returning, to apredetermined display state, the display state (for example, a statewhere the guide menu is being displayed) on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 in the case where the elapsed time counted by the clock counterhas reached a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds; however maybe any seconds without being limited to this) without determining by theoperation determination function that the predetermined operation by thedecision button 301 or the selection button 300 was performed after thestart of counting by the clock counter. Such a predetermined displaystate refers to a display state on the liquid crystal display device 4before the above-described predetermined operation was performed by theselection button 300 or the decision button 301, for example, the statewhere the demonstration effect display is performed. A detaileddescription of this process will be made in explanations of a decisionbutton input checking process and a selection button input checkingprocess, which are to be described later.

When the predetermined starting condition is established, in the casewhere the information regarding the game (for example, the guide menuand the gaming information) is displayed on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4, the sub-CPU 41 allows the liquid crystal display device 4 todisplay an effect image regarding the variable display of the specialsymbol from the above-described information regarding the game. Anexample of a specific description of this process will be made as below.

When the predetermined starting condition has been established (forexample, in the case where the gaming ball has passed through thestarting area, and so on) the main CPU 31 generates and sets thevariable display pattern command. When the sub-CPU 41 receives thevariable display pattern command from the main control circuit 30, inthe case where any of the demonstration effect data, the guide menudisplay data, the item switching display data, and the gaminginformation display data is set, the sub-CPU 41 sets the control datacorresponding to the received variable display pattern command in placeof the data thus set.

The sub-CPU 41 changes the data for issuing the instruction to the VDP51 with the elapse of time so that the VDP 51 can allow the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform the display according to the effectpattern included in the set control data.

The VDP 51 executes the instructions from the sub-CPU 41, which aretransmitted every predetermined time, and thus, for example, the effectimage corresponding to the variable display pattern is displayed on theliquid crystal display device 4.

The voice control circuit 46 allows the speakers 50 to output an effectsound and a voice, which notify the player of a predetermined gamingstate, in response to the control data from the sub-CPU 41.

The lamp control circuit 47 turns on/off a lamp 26 in response to thecontrol data from the sub-CPU 41.

In response to the command from the main control circuit 30, which isoutputted under the condition where the gaming balls have entered theregular winning openings 5, the special winning opening 8, and the like,the payout/launch control circuit 83 controls the payout device 81 whichpays out a predetermined number of gaming balls as the winning balls,and the launcher device 82 which launches the gaming balls toward thegaming area on the gaming panel 30 a.

The respective processes in the gaming machine 1 are controlled by themain control circuit 30 and the sub-control circuit 40. However, themain control circuit 30 may process the whole or a part of the processedcontrolled by the sub-control circuit 40, and the sub-control circuit 40may process the whole or a part of the processes controlled by the maincontrol circuit 30.

(Operation of Gaming Machine in First Embodiment)

A description will be made below of the operation of the gaming machine1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing the systemtimer intervention process executed so as to intervene in the mainprocess in a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec). FIG. 4B is aflowchart showing the main process of the gaming machine 1 in the firstembodiment.

A description will be made of the system timer intervention process withreference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 4A, in Step 100, the mainCPU 31 saves information stored in a register.

In Step 110, the main CPU 31 updates a value such as the jackpotdetermining random number value.

In Step 120, the main CPU 31 performs the switch input detectionprocess. A specific description will be made as below of the switchinput detection process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the switch inputdetection process in the first embodiment.

In Step 121, the main CPU 31 detects the input signals inputted by theV-count switch 28S, the count switch 29S, the starting winning ballswitch 6S, the regular winning ball switch 18S, and the like.

In Step 122, the main CPU 31 executes a special symbol-related switchingprocess. A specific description will be made as below of the specialsymbol-related switching process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing thespecial symbol-related switching process in the first embodiment.

In Step 122-1, the main CPU 31 detects the input signal inputted by thecount switch 29S. In the case of having detected the input signal, themain CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 122-2, and in the case of nothaving detected the input signal, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a processof Step 122-3.

In Step 122-2, the main CPU 31 counts the number of gaming balls whichhave entered the special winning opening 8 during one round in thejackpot gaming state. One round refers to a period from a start of theopening state of the special winning opening 8 till an elapse of apredetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds), or a period from thestart of the opening state of the special winning opening 8 until apredetermined number of (for example, ten) gaming balls enter thespecial winning opening 8.

In Step 122-3, the main CPU 31 detects the input signal inputted by theV-count switch 28S. In the case of having detected the input signal, themain CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 122-4, and in the case of nothaving detected the input signal, the main CPU 31 proceeds to Step122-5.

In Step 122-4, the main CPU 31 detects that the gaming balls have passedthrough the specific area during one round in the jackpot gaming state,and counts the number of gaming balls which have entered the specialwinning opening 8.

In Step 122-5, the main CPU 31 detects the input signal inputted by thestarting winning ball switch 6S provided in the starting opening 6. Inthe case of having detected the input signal, the main CPU 31 proceedsto a process of Step 122-6, and in the case of not having detected theinput signal, the main CPU 31 ends the special symbol-related switchinput process.

In Step 122-6, the main CPU 31 executes a starting opening detectiontime process. Specifically, the main CPU 31 verifies the value of thestarting memory counter, and in the case where the above-described valueis three or less, adds “1” to the value of the starting memory counter(the number of starting memories stored in the main RAM 33), extractsthe jackpot determining random number value and the jackpot symboldetermining random number value, and stores the extracted values as thestarting memories in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 33.

In Step 130, the main CPU updates a remaining variable display time ofthe regular symbol or the special symbol which is being variablydisplayed, a remaining opening time of the starting opening 6 or thespecial winning opening 8 which is set in the opening state, and thelike.

In Step 140, the main CPU 31 outputs the gaming information such as thenumber of gaming balls paid out as the winning balls and an occurrenceof the jackpot to a hall computer installed in a game arcade.

In Step 150, the main CPU 31 outputs the signal for driving the solenoidwhich drives the starting opening 6 or the special winning opening 8, orthe like.

In Step 160, the main CPU 31 outputs the command to indicate thestopping symbol of the special symbol and the variable display patterncommand to indicate the variable display pattern of the set specialsymbol to the sub-control circuit 40.

In Step 170, the main CPU 31 outputs the instruction command to displaythe number of starting memories stored in the main RAM 33 on thepredetermined area of the liquid crystal display device 4, and theinstruction command to display an error such as out of gaming balls anda fill-up of the lower receiving tray on the predetermined lamp.

In Step 180, the main CPU 31 outputs the instruction command to pay outthe predetermined gaming balls as the winning balls in response to thetype of the winning opening which the gaming balls have entered (thetype includes the regular winning openings 5 and the special winningopening 8) to the payout/launch control circuit 83.

In Step 190, the main CPU 31 returns the information saved in Step 100to the register.

A description will be made of the main process while referring to thedrawing. As shown in FIG. 4B, in Step 10, the main CPU 31 returns thevariety of settings in the gaming machine 1 to settings when a powersupply was cut at the previous time, or initializes the settings.

In Step 20, the main CPU 31 executes the special symbol control process.A specific description will be made as below of the special symbolcontrol process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the special symbolcontrol process.

In Step S20-1, the main CPU 31 executes a process of loading a controlstate flag. The control state flag is a flag showing the gaming state ofthe special symbol game, and based on the control state flag, the mainCPU 31 determines whether or not the respective processes from Step 20-2to Step 20-10 are to be executed.

In Step 20-2, the main CU 31 performs a special symbol memory checkingprocess. A specific description will be made as below of the specialsymbol memory checking process. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing thespecial symbol memory checking process in the first embodiment.

In Step 20-2-1, the main CPU 31 verifies whether the control state flagis a value (00) indicating the special symbol memory check. When thecontrol state flag is the value (00) indicating the special symbolmemory check, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-2. Whenthe control state flag is not the value (00) indicating the specialsymbol memory check, the main CPU 31 ends the processes in the specialsymbol control process.

In Step 20-2-2, the main CPU 31 verifies whether or not the number ofstarting memories is “0”. When the number of starting memories is “0”,the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-3. When the number ofstarting memories is not “0”, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process ofStep 20-2-4.

In Step 20-2-3, the main CPU 31 generates and sets the demonstrationeffect command instructing the execution of the demonstration effectdisplay. The demonstration effect command is generated in the case wherethe gaming state is the plying state (state where the operation for thespecial symbol variable display is not performed, the jackpot gaming isnot performed, either, and no starting memory is present).

In Step 20-2-4, the main CPU 31 sets a value (01) indicating the specialsymbol variable display time management in the control state flag.

In Step 20-2-5, the main CPU 31 performs the jackpot determination basedon the jackpot determining random number value included in the startingmemory.

In Step 20-2-6, the main CPU 31 verifies whether a result of the jackpotdetermination is one to transfer the gaming state to the jackpot gamingstate. When the result of the jackpot determination is one to transferthe gaming state to the jackpot gaming state, the main CPU 31 proceedsto a process of Step 20-2-8. When the result of the jackpotdetermination is not one to transfer the gaming state to the jackpotgaming state, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-7.

In Step 20-2-7, the main CPU 31 decides a loosing symbol based on apredetermined random number value.

Specifically, based on the random number value extracted from the reachdetermining random numbers, the main CPU 31 determines whether or notthe reach (reach variation display and the like) is to be executed inthe variable display of the special symbol. In the case of executing thereach (reach variation display and the like) in the variable display ofthe special symbol, the main CPU 31 decides the “left” and “right”symbols based on the random number value extracted from the reach symboldeciding random numbers, and decides the “center” symbol based on therandom number value extracted from “center-loosing” symbol decidingrandom numbers. In the case of not executing the reach in the variabledisplay of the special symbol, the main CPU 31 decides the “left”,“center” and “right” symbols based on random number values extractedfrom loosing symbol deciding random numbers individually correspondingto the “left”, the “center”, and the “right”.

In Step 20-2-8, the main CPU 31 decides the jackpot symbols (“left”,“center”, “right”) based on the jackpot symbol determining random numbervalues included in the starting memory.

In Step 20-2-9, the main CPU 31 performs a deciding process of thevariable display pattern of the special symbols. Specifically, the mainCPU 31 extracts one random number value among random numbers generatedwithin a range from 0 to 99 by a random number generating circuit. Then,the main CPU 31 compares the extracted random number value and avariable display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 9 with eachother, and decides the variable display pattern of the special symbols.

For example, in the case where the result of the jackpot determinationis not one to move the gaming state to the jackpot gaming state, and thereach is not executed in the variable display of the special symbols,the main CPU 31 decides “regular variation” as the variable displaypattern of the special symbols. In the case where the result of thejackpot determination is not one to move the gaming state to the jackpotgaming state, and the reach is executed in the variable display of thespecial symbols, the main CPU 31 decides “normal reach” as the variabledisplay pattern of the special symbols when the extracted random numbervalue is included in a range from 0 to 69, and decides “super reach” asthe variable display pattern of the special symbols when the extractedrandom number value is included in a range from 70 to 99. In the casewhere the result of the jackpot determination is one to move the gamingstate to the jackpot gaming state, the main CPU 31 decides “normal reachwinning” as the variable display pattern of the special symbols when theextracted random number value is included in a range from 0 to 39,decides “super reach winning” as the variable display pattern of thespecial symbols when the extracted random number value is included arange from 40 to 94, and decides “entire rotation” as the variabledisplay pattern of the special symbols when the extracted random numbervalue is included in a range from 95 to 99.

The variable displays of the special symbols, which are performed basedon the respective variable display patterns, are, for example, asfollows. In the case where the variable display pattern of the specialsymbols is the “regular variation”, a variation display of the “left”,“center” and “right” special symbols is stopped in ten seconds after astart thereof in the variable display of the special symbols. In thecase where the variable display pattern of the special symbols is the“normal reach” or the “normal reach winning”, in the variable display ofthe special symbols, for example, the variation display of the “left”and “right” special symbols is stopped in eight seconds after the startof the variation display of the “left”, “center” and “right” specialsymbols, and for example, the variation display of the “center” specialsymbol is stopped in five seconds after the stop concerned. In the casewhere the variable display pattern of the special symbols is the “superreach” or the “super reach winning”, in the variable display of thespecial symbols, for example, the variation display of the “left” and“right” special symbols is stopped in eight seconds after the start ofthe variation display of the “left”, “center” and “right” specialsymbols, and for example, the variation display of the “center” specialsymbol is stopped temporarily in five seconds after the stop concerned.Thereafter, the variation display of the “center” special symbol isperformed again for five seconds, and thereafter, the variation displayof the “center” special symbol is stopped. In the case where thevariable display pattern of the special symbols is the “entirerotation”, in the variable display of the special symbols, the variationdisplay is performed while keeping the “left” special symbol, the“center” special symbol, and the “right” special symbol into the samesymbol for fifteen seconds after the start of the variation display ofthe “left”, “center” and “right” special patterns. Thereafter, thevariation display of the special symbols is stopped. Then, the main CPU31 sets a stop symbol command indicating stop symbols of the specialcommands, the variable display pattern command (for example, “00” in thecase where the variable display pattern is the “regular variation”, andthe like as shown in FIG. 9), and the like.

In Step 20-2-10, the main CPU 31 sets the variable display timecorresponding to the variable display pattern decided in Step 20-2-9 ina waiting time timer.

In Step 20-2-11, the main CPU 31 deletes the random number values usedin the variable display of the special symbols at this time from thepredetermined storage area.

In Step 20-3, in the case where the control state flag is the value (01)indicating the special symbol variable display time management process,and a value of the waiting time timer in which the variable display timeis set is “0”, the main CPU 31 sets a value (02) indicating the specialsymbol variable display time management process in the control stateflag, and sets a post-definition waiting time (for example, one second)in the waiting time timer.

In Step 20-4, in the case where the control state flag is the value (02)indicating the special symbol variable display time management process,a value of the waiting time timer in which the post-definition waitingtime is set is “0”, and the result of the jackpot determinationperformed in Step 20-2-5 is one to move the gaming state to the jackpotgaming state, the main CPU 31 sets a value (03) indicating a jackpotstarting interval management process in the control state flag, and setsa time (for example, ten seconds) corresponding to the jackpot startinginterval in the waiting time timer. Here, the main CPU 31 generates andsets a jackpot gaming start command. In the case where the result of thejackpot determination performed in Step 20-2-5 is not one to move thegaming state to the jackpot gaming state (in the case of the loosing),the main CPU 31 sets a value (08) indicating a special symbol gameending process in the control state flag.

In Step 20-5, in the case where the control state flag is the value (03)indicating the jackpot starting interval management process, and thevalue of the waiting time timer in which the time corresponding to thejackpot starting interval is set is “0”, the main CPU 31 controls thespecial wining opening solenoid 8 a to open the special winning opening8. The main CPU 31 sets a value (04) indicating a special winningopening opening period process in the control state flag, and sets anupper-limit opening time (for example, thirty seconds) in a specialwinning opening opening time timer.

In Step 20-6, in the case where the control state flag is the value (04)indicating the special winning opening opening period process, the mainCPU 31 verifies whether or not any of the following conditions isestablished, which are: a condition where the value of the specialwinning opening time timer in which the upper-limit opening time is setis “0”; and a condition where ten or more gaming balls have entered thespecial winning opening 8. In the case where any of the above-describedconditions is established, the main CPU 31 controls the special winningopening solenoid 8 a to close the special winning opening 8. Moreover,the main CPU 31 sets a value (05) indicating an intra-special winningopening remaining ball monitoring process in the control state flag, andsets an intra-special winning opening remaining ball monitoring time(for example, one second) in the waiting time timer.

In Step 20-7, in the case where the control state flag is the value (05)indicating the intra-special winning opening remaining ball monitoringprocess, and the value of the waiting time timer in which theintra-special winning opening remaining ball monitoring time is set is“0”, the main CPU 31 verifies whether or not any of the followingconditions is established, which are: a condition where the gaming ballshave not passed through the specific area provided in the specialwinning opening 8; and a condition where a value of a special winningopening opening number counter is “15” or more (final round). Thespecial winning opening opening number counter is one to count thenumber of rounds in the jackpot gaming state. In the case where ay ofthe above-described conditions is set, the main CPU 31 sets a value (07)indicating a jackpot ending interval process in the control state flag,and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot ending interval in thewaiting time timer. In the case where any of the above-describedconditions is not established, the main CPU 31 sets a value (06)indicating a special winning opening opening waiting time managementprocess in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to suchan inter-round interval in the waiting time timer.

In Step 20-8, in the case where the control state flag is the value (06)indicating the special winning opening opening waiting time managementprocess, and the value of the waiting time timer in which the timecorresponding to the inter-round interval is set is “0”, the main CPU 31adds “1” to the value of the special winning opening opening numbercounter. The main CPU 31 sets the value (04) indicating the specialwinning opening opening period process in the control stage flag, andsets the upper-limit opening time (for example, thirty seconds) in thespecial winning opening opening time timer.

In Step 20-9, in the case where the control state flag is the value (07)indicating the jackpot ending interval process, and the value of thewaiting time timer in which the time corresponding to the jackpot endinginterval is set is “0”, the main CPU 31 sets the value (08) indicatingthe special symbol game ending process in the control state flag. Themain CPU 31 generates and sets a jackpot game ending command. The mainCPU 31 sets a high probability flag in the case where a predeterminedprobability variation condition is established. The high probabilityflag is a flag for determining whether or not the gaming state is aprobability variation state. The probability variation refers to, forexample, that the jackpot probability is raised after the first jackpot.

In Step 20-10, in the case where the control state flag is the value(08) indicating the special symbol game ending process, the main CPU 31subtracts “1” from the number of starting memories. The main CPU 31shifts the data individually stored in special symbol storage areas (“1”to “4”) to special symbol storage areas (“0” to “3”), respectively, andsets the value (00) indicating the special symbol memory checkingprocess in the control state flag. The special symbol storage areas arestarting memory areas, which are provided in the main RAM 33, and inwhich the jackpot determining random number values extracted under thecondition where the gaming balls have passed through the starting areaare stored sequentially from the special symbol storage area “1”. Thejackpot determining random number values and the like, which are storedin the special symbol storage areas (“1” to “4”), correspond to theabove-described starting memories. The jackpot determining random numbervalues and the like, which are stored in the special symbol storage area“0”, are used for the jackpot determination in Step 20-2-5.

In Step S30, the main CPU 31 executes the respective processes regardingthe regular symbols. Specifically, the main CPU 31 generates and sets aninstruction command to perform regular winning determination based on arandom number value extracted under a condition where the gaming ballshave passed through a regular symbol activation gate (not shown), and toexecute variable display of the regular symbols based on a result of theregular winning determination.

In Step 40, the main CPU 31 updates the values of the random numbers fordetermining the variable display pattern of the special symbols, and thelike.

The main CPU 31 repeatedly performs the above-described processes fromStep 20 to Step 40.

Next, a description will be made of the main process, the system timerintervention process executed so as to intervene in the main process inthe predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec), and a command receptionprocess executed so as to intervene in the main process on an occasionof the command reception from the main control circuit 30 in thesub-control circuit 40 in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchartshowing the main process of the sub-control circuit 40 of the firstembodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the command reception processof the sub-control circuit 40 of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is aflowchart showing the system timer intervention process of the firstembodiment.

A description will be made of the command reception process whilereferring to FIG. 11. The command reception process is performed everytime when the sub-control circuit 40 receives the command from the maincontrol circuit 30.

In Step 400, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the received commandis the demonstration effect command from the main control circuit 30. Inthe case where the received command is the demonstration effect command,the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 410, and in the case wherethe received command is not the demonstration effect command, thesub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 420.

In Step 410, the sub-CPU 41 sets a demonstration displaying flag at 1,and sets demonstration effect data. The demonstration displaying flag isa flag set at 1 in the case where the demonstration effect display isperformed. Specifically, the demonstration displaying flag is set at 1in the case where the demonstration effect data is set.

Here, when the demonstration displaying flag is set at 1, the sub-CPU 41changes, with the elapse of time, the data for instructing the VDP 51 toallow the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform demonstrationeffect display according to the demonstration effect pattern included inthe demonstration effect data in an image display control process inStep 210 to be described later. The VDP 51 executes the above-describedinstruction transmitted every predetermined time, thereby allowing theliquid crystal display device 4 to display the demonstration effect.FIGS. 13A to 13E show examples of the demonstration effect display.Immediately after the sub-CPU 41 received the demonstration effectcommand, an image shown in FIG. 13A is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay device 4. After an elapse of thirty seconds after the sub-CPU 41received the demonstration effect command, demonstration effects shownin FIGS. 13B to 13E are displayed on the liquid crystal display device4, and the display becomes still on a demonstration effect shown in FIG.13E.

In Step 420, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the received commandis the variable display pattern command. In the case where the receivedcommand is the variable display pattern command, the sub-CPU 41 proceedsto a process of Step 430, and in the case where the received command isnot the variable display pattern command, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to aprocess of Step 450.

In Step 430, the sub-CPU 41 sets the demonstration displaying flag at 0.

In Step 440, the sub-CPU 41 sets control data corresponding to thereceived variable display pattern (the control data corresponding to anydata of “00” to “05” shown in FIG. 9).

In Step 450, the sub-CPU 41 sets the control data in a predeterminedwork area of the sub-RAM 43 so that the control data can correspond tothe received command (for example, the jackpot game starting commandinstructing to direct the jackpot start).

Next, a description will be made of the system timer interventionprocess of the sub-control circuit 40 of the first embodiment whilereferring to FIG. 12. In Step 300, the sub-CPU 41 saves the informationstored in the register.

In Step 310, the sub-CPU 41 performs the selection button input checkingprocess. A specific description will be made as below of the selectionbutton input checking process. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing theselection button input checking process.

In Step S310-1, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the input hasbeen made by the selection button 300. Specifically, the sub-CPU 41verifies whether or not to have received the operation signal indicatingthe operation by the selection button 300 (for example, the pressingoperation). In the case where the input has been made by the selectionbutton 300, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 310-2, and inthe case where the input has not been made by the selection button 300,the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 310-9.

In Step 310-2, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not 1 is set in thedemonstration displaying flag. In the case where 1 is set in thedemonstration displaying flag, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process ofStep 310-3, and in the case where 1 is not set in the demonstrationdisplaying flag, the sub-CPU 41 ends the selection button input checkingprocess.

In Step 310-3, the sub-CPU 41 sets the value of the clock timer atthirty seconds. Thus, for example, in the case where the operation isperformed by the selection button 300 (YES in the determination in Step310-1) in a state where the guide menu is displayed, it can be said thatthe clock timer counts the time by this Step 310-3.

In the case where the demonstration effect display is being performed,when the operation by the selection button 300 is performed, thedemonstration effect display is switched to the guide menu display (theinformation regarding the game) by Step 310-5. Accordingly, it can besaid that the above-described operation by the selection button 300 isan operation for performing the switching display to the informationregarding the game. Therefore, it can also be said that the clock timerstarts the time count from the time when the operation by the selectionbutton 300 for performing the switching display to the informationregarding the game was performed. Here, the clock timer performs a timecount process in a manner of countdown. However, the clock timer mayalso perform the time count process in a manner of count-up. The valueset in the clock timer is not limited to thirty seconds, either, and mayalso be other values. In a similar way, a value set in the clock timerin Step 320-3 to be described later is not limited, either.

In Step 310-4, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the demonstrationeffect is being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4. Aperiod while the demonstration effect is being displayed, which ismentioned here, also includes the thirty seconds from the time when thesub-CPU 41 received the demonstration effect command, and this is alsoapplied similarly to the cases of processes of Step 310-10, Step 320-4,and Step 320-12, which are to be described later.

Specifically, in the case where the demonstration effect data is set,the sub-CPU 41 determines that the demonstration effect is beingdisplayed, and in the case where the demonstration effect data is notset, the sub-CPU 41 determines that the demonstration effect is notbeing displayed. In the case where the demonstration effect is beingdisplayed on the liquid crystal display device 4, the sub-CPU 41proceeds to a process of Step 310-5, and in the case where thedemonstration effect is not being displayed, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds toa process of Step 310-6.

In Step S310-5, the sub-CPU 41 sets the guide menu display data. Aftersetting the guide menu display data, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51to allow the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform the guide menudisplay according to the guide menu display pattern included in theguide menu display data in an image display control process in Step 210to be described later. The VDP 51 executes the above-describedinstruction, thereby allowing the liquid crystal display device 4 todisplay the guide menu. As a result, as described above, on the liquidcrystal display device 4, there are displayed the cursor imageindicating any of the respective item images, the image of the item nameindicated by the cursor image, and the comment image showing a simplecomment for the item concerned.

The sub-CPU 41 performs the control for the above-described backgroundscroll display, and thus the scroll display of the background image isperformed on the liquid crystal display device 4.

In Step 310-6, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the guide menu isbeing displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4. Specifically, inthe case where the guide menu display data or the item switching displaydata is set, the sub-CPU 41 determines that the guide menu is beingdisplayed, and in the case where either the guide menu display data orthe item switching display data is not set, the sub-CPU 41 determinesthat the guide menu is not being displayed. In the case where the guidemenu is being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4, thesub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 310-7, and in the case wherethe guide menu is not being displayed thereon, the sub-CPU 41 proceedsto a process of Step 310-8.

In Step 310-7, the sub-CPU 41 sets the item switching display data. Uponreceiving the operation signal from the selection button 300 when theguide menu display data is set, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51, forexample, to move the display position of the cursor image to a positionindicating an item image under the currently indicated item image. TheVDP 51 executes the instruction, and thus, on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4, the display position of the cursor image is moved from theposition of the currently indicated item image to the positionindicating the item image thereunder.

In Step 310-8, the sub-CPU 41 sets the item switching display data inresponse to the gaming information under display. For example, uponreceiving the operation signal from the selection button 300 in the casewhere gaming information regarding a reach flow as shown in FIG. 18 tobe described later is being displayed, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP51 to move, for example, the display position of the cursor image to theposition indicated by the item image (continuous quick shot) under thecurrently indicated item image (large-cylinder firework). The VDP 51executes the instruction, and thus, on the liquid crystal display device4, the display position of the cursor image is moved from the positionof the currently indicated item image (large-cylinder firework) to theposition indicating the item image (continuous quick shot) locatedthereunder.

Meanwhile, in the case where gaming information regarding a today'sjackpot probability as shown in FIG. 20 to be described later is beingdisplayed, since the selection button 300 does not have a function toselect the item under display, the sub-CPU 41 does not set the itemswitching display data.

FIGS. 15A to 15C show examples of the displays performed on the liquidcrystal display device 4 by the processes of Step 310-5 and Step 310-7and a process of Step 210 to be described later. In FIGS. 15A to 15C, assix item images, there are displayed an item image for returning to thedemonstration display, an item image corresponding to the inter-jackpotinformation (gaming information), an item image corresponding to thereach frequency information (gaming information), an item imagecorresponding to the reach flow (gaming information), an item imagecorresponding to the jackpot symbol (gaming information), and an itemimage corresponding to the today's jackpot probability (gaminginformation).

The inter-jackpot information includes the number of variable displaysbetween the jackpots (number of games), a symbol at the time of thejackpot, a reach mode at the time of the jackpot, and the like. Thereach frequency information includes the number, appearance rate(appearance ratio), and reliability of the super reaches. The reach flow(gaming information) includes expectation degrees of the reach flow andthe respective reaches, and the like. The jackpot symbol (gaminginformation) includes a probability variation jackpot symbol, a regularjackpot symbol, and the like. The today's jackpot probability (gaminginformation) includes a jackpot winning probability in the today'sregular gaming state, a jackpot wining probability in the probabilityvariation gaming state, and the like. In each of FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B,as examples, there are displayed a cursor image indicating the itemimage corresponding to the reach flow (gaming information), an image ofthe item name that is the reach flow, and a comment image showing thesimple comment to the item concerned. For example, in the display ofFIG. 15B, when the selection button 300 is pressed five times, there aredisplayed a cursor image indicating the item image corresponding to thereach frequency information (gaming information), an image of the itemname that is the reach flow, and a comment image showing the simplecomment to the item, which are shown in FIG. 15C.

In FIGS. 15A to 15C, images for explaining the functions of theselection button 300 and the decision button 301 are displayed. Here, astate where a character image that is “select” is being displayed undera character image that is “select” surrounded by a frame is a statewhere the selection button 300 is effective, that is, a state where itis possible to move the cursor image (state where it is possible toselect the item under display) when the selection button 300 is pressed.A state where a character image that is “decide” is being displayedunder a character image that is “decide” surrounded by a frame indicatesthat the decision button 301 has a decision function, that is, thegaming information corresponding to the item image indicated by thecursor image is displayed when the decision button 301 is pressed. Astate where a character image that is “return” is being displayed undera character image that is “decide” surrounded by a frame indicates thatthe decision button 301 has a returning function, that is, the displayreturns to the display before transferring to the current display.

Each of FIGS. 15A to 15C shows a state where an image that is “firework”is moving from the right to the left, as the background scroll display.

In Step 310-9, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the demonstrationdisplaying flag is set at 1. In the case where the demonstrationdisplaying flag is set at 1, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process ofStep 310-10. In the case where the demonstration displaying flag is notset at 1, the sub-CPU 41 ends the selection button input checkingprocess.

In Step 310-10, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the demonstrationeffect is being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4. In thecase where the demonstration effect is not being displayed on the liquidcrystal display device 4, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step310-11, and in the case where the demonstration effect is beingdisplayed thereon, the sub-CPU 41 ends the selection button inputchecking process.

In Step 310-11, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the value of theclock timer is 0. In the case where the value of the clock timer is not0, the sub-CPU 41 ends the selection button input checking process.Thus, in the case where no input is made by the selection button 300since the value of the clock timer was set in Step 310-3, the process ofStep 310-11 is performed until the value of the clock timer becomes 0.Meanwhile, in the case where the value of the clock timer is 0, thesub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 310-12.

In Step 310-12, the sub-CPU 41 sets the demonstration effect data. Bythis process, the demonstration effect is displayed on the liquidcrystal display device 4 in a similar way to Step 410. Accordingly, inthe case where no input is made by the selection button 300 during atime corresponding to the value set in the clock timer, it can be saidthat the display on the liquid crystal display device 4 is returned fromthe display of the guide menu to the display of the demonstrationeffect.

In Step 320, the sub-CPU 41 performs the decision button input checkingprocess. A specific description will be made as below of the decisionbutton input checking process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing thedecision button input checking process.

In Step 320-1, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the input has beenmade by the decision button 301. Specifically, the sub-CPU 41 verifieswhether or not to have received the operation signal indicating theoperation by the decision button 301 from the decision button 301. Inthe case where the input is made by the decision button 301, the sub-CPU41 proceeds to a process of Step 320-2, and in the case where no inputis made by the decision button 301, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a processof Step 320-11.

In Step 320-2, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not 1 is set in thedemonstration displaying flag. In the case where 1 is set in thedemonstration displaying flag, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process ofStep 320-3, and in the case where 1 is not set in the demonstrationdisplaying flag, the sub-CPU 41 ends the decision button input checkingprocess.

In Step 320-3, the sub-CPU 41 sets the value of the clock timer atthirty seconds. Thus, for example, in the case where the operation isperformed by the decision button 301 (YES in the determination in Step320-1) in a state where the guide menu is displayed, it can be said thatthe clock timer counts the time by this Step 320-3.

In the case where the demonstration effect display is being performed,when the operation by the decision button 301 is performed, thedemonstration effect display is switched to the guide menu display (theinformation regarding the game) by Step 320-5. Accordingly, it can besaid that the operation by the decision button 301 is an operation forperforming the switching display to the information regarding the game.Therefore, it can also be said that the clock timer starts the timecount from the time when the operation by the decision button 301 forperforming the switching display to the information regarding the gamewas performed.

In Step 320-4, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the demonstrationeffect is being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4. In thecase where the demonstration effect is being displayed on the liquidcrystal display device 4, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step320-5, and in the case where the demonstration display is not beingdisplayed thereon, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 320-6.

In Step 320-5, the sub-CPU 41 sets the guide menu display data. Adetailed description of this process is similar to that of the processof Step 310-5 described above, and accordingly, will be omitted.

In Step 320-6, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the guide menu isbeing displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4. Specifically, inthe case where the item switching display data is set, the sub-CPU 41determines that the guide menu is being displayed, and in the case wherethe item switching display data is not set, the sub-CPU 41 determinesthat the guide menu is not being displayed. In the case where the guidemenu is being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4, thesub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 320-7, and in the case wherethe guide menu is not being displayed thereon, the sub-CPU 41 proceedsto a process of Step 320-9.

In Step 320-7, the sub-CPU 41 sets the gaming information display datacorresponding to the item currently indicated by the cursor image. Aftersetting the gaming information display data, the sub-CPU 41 changes,with the elapse of time, the data for instructing the VDP 51 to allowthe liquid crystal display device 4 to perform display according to thegaming information display pattern included in the gaming informationdisplay data in the image display control process in Step 210 to bedescribed later. The VDP 51 executes the above-described instructiontransmitted every predetermined time, thereby allowing the liquidcrystal display device 4 to display the gaming information.

In Step 320-8, the sub-CPU 41 makes controls for the deceleration andstopping of the above-described background scroll display, and thus, onthe liquid crystal display device 4, the deceleration and stopping ofthe scroll display of the background image are performed.

FIG. 15D shows an example of the display performed on the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 by the processes of Step 320-7 and Step 320-8 and theprocess of Step 210 to be described later. For example, if the decisionbutton 301 is pressed when the cursor image indicates the item image ofthe reach frequency information as shown in FIG. 15C, then, as shown inFIG. 15D, the contents of the reach frequency information are displayedas the gaming information on the liquid crystal display device 4. In thedisplay of the reach frequency information, there are displayed thenumber of total variable display rotations (number of rotations), typesof the reaches, the numbers of the respective reaches, appearance ratesof the respective reaches, and reliabilities of the respective reaches.In FIG. 15D, it is displayed that the selection button 300 has afunction to select the item on this display, and that the decisionbutton 301 has a decision function thereof.

After the deceleration process of the background scroll display isperformed in the display of the background image shown in FIG. 15C, inthe background image shown in FIG. 15D, the background scroll display isstopped, and the background image at the time of the stopping isstatically displayed.

If the decision button 301 is pressed when the cursor image indicatesthe item image of the inter-jackpot information in the guide menudisplay, then, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the contents of theinter-jackpot information are displayed as the gaming information on theliquid crystal display device 4. In the display of the inter-jackpotinformation, first, display shown in FIG. 17A is performed. In thedisplay shown in FIG. 17A, there are displayed the numbers ofprobability variation jackpots, the numbers of regular jackpots, and thetotal numbers of variable displays (total number of rotations) in today,yesterday, and the day before yesterday. Moreover, it is displayed thatthe selection button 300 has a function to select an item in thisdisplay, and that the decision button 301 has a decision functionthereof. If the selection button 301 is pressed in this display, theposition of the cursor image indicating the item image (any of today,yesterday, and the day before yesterday) is moved. If the decisionbutton 301 is pressed when the cursor image indicates any of the itemimages of today, yesterday, and the day before yesterday, then thegaming information corresponding to the item image indicated by thecursor image is displayed. If the decision button 301 is pressed whenthe cursor image indicates the item image that is “return”, the displayreturns to the display of the guide menu. FIG. 17B shows the contents ofthe gaming information in the case where the decision button 301 ispressed when the cursor image indicates the item image that is “today”.In this display, there are displayed the jackpot symbols in therespective jackpots, the numbers of games between the jackpots, thetypes of the reaches at the times of the jackpots, and the like.

If the decision button 301 is pressed when the cursor image indicatesthe item image of the reach flow in the guide menu display, then, asshown in FIG. 18, the contents of the reach flows are displayed as thegaming information on the liquid crystal display device 4. In thisdisplay, there are displayed flows reaching the respective reaches, ascreen showing reaches corresponding to the reach item images (thelarge-cylinder firework, the continuous quick shot, and the like)indicated by the cursor image, that the selection button 300 has afunction to select an item in this display, and that the decision button301 has a returning function therefrom.

If the decision button 301 is pressed when the cursor image indicatesthe item image of the jackpot symbol in the guide menu display, then, asshown in FIG. 19, the contents of the jackpot symbols are displayed asthe gaming information on the liquid crystal display device 4. In thisdisplay, there are displayed the types of the probability jackpotsymbols, the types of the regular jackpot symbols, that the selectionbutton 300 does not have a function to select an item in this display,and that the decision button 301 has a returning function therefrom.

If the decision button 301 is pressed when the cursor image indicatesthe item image of the jackpot probability of today in the guide menudisplay, then, as shown in FIG. 20, the contents of the jackpotprobabilities of today are displayed as the gaming information on theliquid crystal display device 4. In this display, there are displayed,with regard to today, the total number of jackpots, the total number ofrotations, an occurrence probability of the jackpots in the probabilityvariation gaming state, an occurrence probability of the jackpots in theregular gaming state, an occurrence number of the jackpots in theregular gaming state, an occurrence number of the jackpots in theprobability variation gaming state, that the selection button 300 doesnot have a function to select an item in this display, and that thedecision button 301 has a returning function therefrom.

If the decision button 301 is pressed when the cursor image indicatesthe item image of “return” in the guide menu display, then, the sub-CPU41 sets the demonstration effect data. Thus, the display on the liquidcrystal display device 4 is returned from the guide menu display to thedemonstration effect display. In this case the deceleration and stoppingprocesses of the background scroll display are not performed.

In Step 320-9, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the gaminginformation is being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4.Specifically, in the case where the gaming information display data isset, the sub-CPU 41 determines that the gaming information is underdisplay, and in the case where the gaming information display data isnot set, the sub-CPU 41 determines that the gaming information is notunder display. In the case where the gaming information is beingdisplayed on the liquid crystal display device 4, the sub-CPU 41proceeds to a process of Step 320-10, and in the case where the gaminginformation is not being displayed thereon, the sub-CPU 41 ends thedecision button input checking process.

In Step 320-10, in response to the gaming information under display, thesub-CPU 41 sets the gaming information display data corresponding to theitem image currently indicated by the cursor mage, or sets the guidemenu display data. A specific description of the above will be made asbelow.

For example, the case is considered, where the contents of theinter-jackpot information shown in FIG. 17A are displayed as the displayof the contents of the gaming information. Here, it is assumed that thedecision button 301 has the decision function, and that the decisionbutton 301 is pressed when the cursor image indicates the item imagethat is “today”. In this case, the sub-CPU 41 sets the gaminginformation display data corresponding to the item image (today)currently indicated by the cursor image. As a result, as shown in FIG.17B, the gaming information corresponding to the above-described gaminginformation display data is displayed on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 by the image display control process of Step 210 to bedescribed later.

Meanwhile, the case is considered, where the contents of the jackpotsymbols shown in FIG. 19 are displayed as the display of the contents ofthe gaming information by the process of Step 320-7. Here, it is assumedthat the decision button 301 has the returning function, and that thedecision button 301 is pressed. In this case, the sub-CPU 41 sets theguide menu display data. As a result, the guide menu in which the cursorimage indicates the predetermined item image is displayed on the liquidcrystal display device 4 by the image display control process of Step210 to be described later. In this case, the sub-CPU 41 performs thecontrol for the background scroll display, and thus the scroll displayof the background image is resumed on the liquid crystal display device4.

Here, it is assumed that, in order to stop the background scrolldisplay, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 5,1 to allow the liquidcrystal display device 4 to display the background by using the imagedata corresponding to the predetermined area among the background imagedata while taking the same coordinate (X1+Xα+Xβ+Xγ+ . . . +Xθ, Y1) as areference irrespective of the elapse of time. Then, in order to resumethe background scroll display, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 toallow the liquid crystal display device 4 to display the background byusing the image data corresponding to the predetermined area among thebackground image data while taking the above-described coordinate(X1+Xα+Xβ+Xγ+ . . . +Xθ, Y1) as a reference. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 41changes, with the elapse of time, the data for instructing the VDP 51 toallow the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform the backgroundscroll display every fixed time (for example, every T1). Specifically,the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to increase (or decrease) theX-value by the predetermined amount from the above-described coordinate(X1+Xα+Xβ+Xγ+ . . . +Xθ, Y1) taken as the reference coordinate everyfixed time, and to allow the liquid crystal display device 4 to displaythe back ground by using the image data corresponding to theabove-described predetermined area among the background image data whiletaking the coordinate indicating a result of the increase (or thedecrease) as a reference coordinate.

However, in the case of resuming the background scroll display, thesub-CPU 41 may also allow the VDP 51 to allow the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to display the background by using the image data correspondingto the above-described predetermined area among the background imagedata while taking not the above-described coordinate (X1+Xα+Xβ+Xγ+ . . .+Xθ, Y1) but the initial reference coordinate (X1, Y1) as a reference.

In Step 320-11, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the demonstrationdisplaying flag is set at 1. In the case where the demonstration flag isset at 1, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 320-12, and inthe case where the demonstration displaying flag is not set at 1, thesub-CPU 41 ends the decision button input checking process.

In Step 320-12, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the demonstrationeffect is being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4. In thecase where the demonstration effect is not being displayed on the liquidcrystal display device 4, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step310-13, and in the case where the demonstration effect is beingdisplayed thereon, the sub-CPU 41 ends the decision button inputchecking process.

In Step 320-13, the sub-CPU 41 verifies whether or not the value of theclock timer is 0. In the case where the value of the clock timer is not0, the sub-CPU 41 ends the decision button input checking process. Thus,in the case where no input is made by the decision button 301 since thevalue of the clock timer was set in Step 320-3, the process of Step320-13 is performed until the value of the clock timer becomes 0.Meanwhile, in the case where the value of the clock timer is 0, thesub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 320-14.

In Step 320-14, the sub-CPU 41 sets the demonstration effect data. Bythis process, the demonstration effect is displayed on the liquidcrystal display device 4 in a similar way to Step 410. Accordingly, inthe case where no input is made by the decision button 301 during a timecorresponding to the value set in the clock timer, it can be said thatthe display on the liquid crystal display device 4 is returned from thedisplay of the guide menu to the display of the demonstration effect.

In Step 330, the sub-CPU 41 updates the value of the clock timer, andthe like. In Step 340, the sub-CPU 41 returns the information saved inStep 300 to the register.

Next, a description will be made of the main process of the sub-controlcircuit 40 of the first embodiment while referring to FIG. 10. In StepS200, the sub-CPU 41 performs initialization processes for initializingthe variety of settings. As one of the initialization processes, forexample, the following process is performed. When the power supply isturned on, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to allow the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform the display according to thecomprehensive menu display pattern. The VDP 51 executes theabove-described instruction, and thus, on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4, comprehensive menu display shown in FIG. 21 is performed. Inthis display, as three item images, there are displayed an item imageshowing characters which are “clear comprehensive data” representing “toentirely delete information and history of guide menu”, an item imageshowing characters which are “guide option” representing “toincrease/decrease items of guide menu”, and an item image showingcharacters which are “return” representing “to return to displaycorresponding to current gaming state”. In FIG. 21, as examples, thereare displayed a cursor image indicating the item image corresponding to“clear comprehensive data”, an image of an item name that is “clearcomprehensive data”, and a comment image showing a simple comment to theitem concerned. The sub-CPU 41 performs the control for the backgroundscroll display, and thus, on the liquid crystal display device 4, thescroll display of the background image is performed.

If the decision button 301 is pressed when the cursor image indicatesthe item image that is “clear comprehensive data”, then an image shownin FIG. 22 is displayed. In this display, the item image indicated bythe cursor image is largely displayed. If the decision button 301 ispressed when the cursor image indicates the item image that is “guideoption”, then an image shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. In this display,the five items displayed on the above-described guide menu aredisplayed, and the cursor image indicates any of the items. If theselection button 300 is pressed in this display, then the positionindicated by the cursor image becomes movable. If the decision button301 is pressed, then ON and OFF of the item are switched. The item (forexample, the inter-jackpot information) displayed to be ON is displayedin the case of the guide menu display, and the item to be displayed OFFis not displayed in the case of the guide menu display.

If the decision button 301 is pressed when the comprehensive menu isbeing displayed, then the sub-CPU 41 performs the controls for thedeceleration and stopping of the background scroll display, and thus, onthe liquid crystal display device 4, the deceleration and stopping ofthe scroll display of the background image are performed.

In Step 210, the sub-CPU 41 executes the image display control process.A detailed description will be made as below of an example of thisprocess. The image display control processes performed based on the dataset by the sub-CPU 41 in Step 410, Step 310-5, Step 310-7, Step 310-12,Step 320-5, Step 320-7, Step 320-10, and Step 320-14, which aredescribed above, are as described above.

In Step 440, in the case where the control data corresponding to thevariable display pattern command is set, the sub-CPU 41 changes, withthe elapse of time, the data for instructing the VDP 51 to allow theliquid crystal display device 4 to display the effect according to theeffect pattern included in the set control data. The VDP 51 executes theabove-described instruction transmitted every predetermined time, andthus, on the liquid crystal display device 4, the effect correspondingto the variable display pattern command is displayed. When thepredetermined starting conditions are established by the processes ofStep 430 and Step 440, in the case where the guide menu and the gaminginformation are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4, it canbe said that the effect images regarding the variable display of thespecial symbols are displayed from the guide menu and the gaminginformation on the liquid crystal display device 4.

In Step 220, the sub-CPU 41 executes a sound output control process. Aspecific description will be made as below of this process. In the casewhere the control data set in Step 450 is data corresponding to thesound output control, the sub-CPU 41 sends the control data to the voicecontrol circuit 46. Based on the control data, the voice control circuit46 allows the speakers 50 to output, for example, the sound signals fornotifying the player of the predetermined gaming state.

In Step 230, the sub-CPU 41 executes a lamp turning-on control process.A specific description will be made as below of this process. In thecase where the control data set in Step 450 is data corresponding to thelamp turning-on control, the sub-CPU 41 sends the control data to thelamp control circuit 47. Based on the control data, the lamp controlcircuit 47 allows the lamp 26 to be turned on and off, for example,according to a predetermined turning on/off pattern. The sub-CPU 41repeatedly performs the processes from Step 210 to Step 230, which aredescribed above.

(Function and Effect 1)

According to the first embodiment, in the case where it is determined bythe sub-CPU 41 that the background scroll stopping condition isestablished, the background scroll display on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 is stopped. Accordingly, the scroll display of the backgroundimage is avoided being executed for a long time, and therefore, asituation where the player continues to view the scroll display of thebackground image for a long time is avoided. Thus, for example, in thecase where the player is fatigued and concentrates on the game, theplayer is avoided being made to feel sick, and a gaming will of theplayer can be prevented from being decreased.

Hence, according to the first embodiment, the demonstration effect isenhanced by the execution of the scroll display of the background, andin addition, the gaming will of the player can be avoided beingdecreased.

The sub-CPU 41 can stop the background scroll display after deceleratingthe moving speed of the background image in the background scrolldisplay, and accordingly, the player feels that the stopping of thebackground is performed naturally. As a result, the player comes to havea favorable impression regarding the demonstration of the background,and it is made possible to further enhance the demonstration effect.

In the case where the player desires to stop the background scrolldisplay, the player performs the operation by using the decision button301, and thus the sub-CPU 41 determines that the background scrollstopping condition is established. Thus, the background scroll displayis stopped after the moving speed of the background image in thebackground scroll display is decelerated. Accordingly, the backgroundscroll display can be stopped when the player desires so, and therefore,convenience for the player is enhanced.

In the case where the demonstration effect is displayed on the liquidcrystal display device 4, the player performs the operation by theselection button 300 or the decision button 301 (a predeterminedoperation by operation unit), and thus the guide menu (gaminginformation selection image) is displayed. When the guide menu is beingdisplayed, the player performs the operation for selecting the gaminginformation by the decision button 301, and thus the guide menu (gaminginformation selection image) is displayed. Accordingly, the playerperforms the operation by the selection button 300 or the decisionbutton 301 when the player desires so, and thus the guide menu and thegaming information are displayed. Therefore, the demonstration effect isenhanced, and in addition, the convenience for the player is furtherenhanced. In the case where the guide menu is being displayed on theliquid crystal display device 4, when the operation by the decisionbutton 301 for selecting the gaming information is performed, thebackground scroll display on the liquid crystal display device 4 isstopped. Accordingly, the player can clearly grasp that the gaminginformation is displayed.

(Function and Effect 2)

According to the first embodiment, when the guide menu is displayed asthe information regarding the gaming on the liquid crystal displaydevice 4, in the case where the sub-CPU 41 determines that thepredetermined operation by the selection button 300 or the decisionbutton 301 is performed, the clock timer performs the time countprocess. Moreover, in the case where the time counted by the clock timerreaches the predetermined time (for example, thirty seconds) while it isbeing left undetermined that the predetermined operation by theselection button 300 or the decision button 301 is performed, thesub-CPU 41 returns the display state (for example, the state where theguide menu is being displayed) on the liquid crystal display device 4 tothe predetermined display state (for example, the state where thedemonstration effect is being displayed). Accordingly, even if theplayer goes away while leaving the guide menu display and the gaminginformation display as they are on the liquid crystal display device 4,such a state where the guide menu display and the gaming informationdisplay are left as they are is avoided.

Hence, the guide menu and the gaming information are displayed by theoperation by the player, and thus the convenience for the player isenhanced, and in addition, the state where the guide menu display andthe gaming information display are left as they are is avoided.

The sub-CPU 41 allows the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform theswitching display under the condition where the gaming state is theplying state where the predetermined game is not performed. In thiscase, the predetermined operation is performed by the selection button300 and the like in the case where the demonstration effect forenhancing the gaming will of the player is being displayed, and thus thedisplay is switched to the display of the information regarding the game(for example, guide menu) by the sub-CPU 41. When the informationregarding the game is being displayed, in the case where the timecounted by the clock timer reaches the predetermined time while it isbeing left undetermined by the sub-CPU 41 that the predeterminedoperation by the selection button 300 or the decision button 301 isperformed, the display state on the liquid crystal display device 4 isreturned from the display state where the information regarding the gameis being displayed to the demonstration effect display state forenhancing the gaming will of the player. As a result, in the gamingmachine, a situation where the information regarding the game isdisplayed without end and the demonstration effect is not displayed isavoided, and a situation where the player decreases the will to play thegame with the above-described gaming machine is also avoided. Therefore,the state where the information regarding the game is left displayed isavoided, and in addition, the situation where the player decreases thegaming will can be avoided.

When the predetermined starting condition is established, in the casewhere the guide menu and the gaming information are displayed on theliquid crystal display device 4, the sub-CPU 41 allows the liquidcrystal display device 4 to display the effect image regarding thevariable display of the special symbol from the guide menu and thegaming information. Therefore, when the variable display of the specialsymbol, to which the player pays most attention, is performed, thedisplay is automatically switched form the guide menu display and thegaming information display to the effect image regarding the variabledisplay of the special symbol. As a result, it is not necessary for theplayer to perform an operation for switching the display from the guidemenu display and the gaming information display to the effect imageregarding the variable display of the special symbol, and theconvenience for the player is further enhanced.

Also in the case where the clock timer starts the time count from thetime when the operation by the selection button 300 or the decisionbutton 301 for performing the switching display to the guide menudisplay is performed, the above-described effect can be obtained.

(Modification Example of First Embodiment)

-   (1) In the above-described first embodiment, in the case where the    background scroll display is stopped, the background scroll display    is topped after the moving speed of the background image in the    background scroll image is decelerated. However, without being    limited to this, the background scroll display may be stopped    suddenly. The information regarding the game may also be information    other than the guide menu and the gaming information, for example, a    mini game and the like. The mode of the guide menu display may be    other modes. With regard to the gaming information, the gaming    information may be other than the gaming information shown in the    above-described first embodiment.-   (2) In the above-described first embodiment, the background scroll    display is stopped in the case where the gaming information is    displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4. However, the    background scroll display may also be stopped in the case where the    variable display of the special symbol is performed on the liquid    crystal display device 4, in the case where the effect image during    the jackpot gaming is displayed, and in the case where the    demonstration effect is displayed. The background scroll display may    also be stopped under a condition where other conditions are    established, for example, in the case where a predetermined effect    is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4.-   (3) In the above-described first embodiment, the background scroll    display is stopped by the operation of the decision button 301 by    the player. However, without being limited to this, the background    scroll display may also be stopped every predetermined time.-   (4) In the above-described first embodiment, a configuration is    adopted, in which, in the case of the demonstration effect display,    the guide menu can be displayed by the operation of the selection    button 300, and the predetermined gaming information can be selected    by the operation of the decision button 301. However, the    configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration    may also be adopted, in which, in the case where the variable    display of the special symbol is being performed on the liquid    crystal display device 4, and in the case where the jackpot effect    is being displayed thereon, the guide menu can be displayed by the    operation of the selection button 300, and the predetermined gaming    information can be selected by the operation of the decision button    301.-   (5) In the above-described first embodiment, the variable display of    the special symbol and the effect display thereof are performed when    the predetermined starting condition is established after the guide    menu is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4. However,    without being limited to this even if the variable display of the    special symbol is started, the guide menu may be left displayed for    the predetermined time, and after the elapse of the predetermined    time, the effect regarding the variable display of the special    symbol may also be displayed.-   (6) As described in the first embodiment, the sub-CPU 41 allows the    clock counter to start the time count when it is determined that the    predetermined operation by the decision button 301 or the selection    button 300 is performed. However, without being limited to this, the    sub-CPU 41 may also allow the clock counter to start the time count,    for example, when it is determined that the information regarding    the game, for example, the guide menu and the respective pieces of    gaming information are displayed on the liquid crystal display    device 4. In this case, the sub-CPU 41 can allow the clock counter    to start the time count without determining that the operation by    the decision button 301 or the selection button 300 is performed.    Also in this case, a similar effect to that of the first embodiment    can be obtained.    (Second Embodiment)

A gaming machine of a second embodiment further includes the followingfunctions in addition to the functions of the gaming machine of thefirst embodiment. In the second embodiment, descriptions of samestructures and processes as those explained in the first embodiment areomitted or simplified.

The liquid crystal display device 4 of the second embodiment is variabledisplay unit performing variable display of special symbols based on avariable display pattern determined by the main CPU 31 and displaying afirst background image during the variable display of the specialsymbols. The image data ROM 54 of the second embodiment is backgroundimage storing unit storing several types of first background image data(normal background image data) to display the first background image(hereinafter, a normal background image). Herein, display of the normalbackground image performed in the liquid crystal display device 4 isdisplay of a predetermined moving image.

A specific description thereof is as follows. The sub ROM 42 stores dataincluding a background display pattern (hereinafter, referred to as anormal background display pattern) with which the image control circuit45 causes the liquid crystal display device 4 to display the normalbackground image. Herein, examples of the normal background displaypattern are normal background images A to C, with which the imagecontrol circuit 45 causes the liquid crystal display device 4 to displaynormal background images A to C, respectively.

The background display patterns used in the second embodiment aredifferent from the background display patterns used in the firstembodiment.

The image data ROM 54 stores, for example, the normal background imagedata A, B, and C with which the normal background images A, B, and C aredisplayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 4,respectively. Upon receiving a demonstration effect command, the sub-CPU41 sets demonstration effect data and, based on the normal backgrounddisplay pattern (one of the normal background display patterns A to C),changes data to instruct the VDP 51 with time so as to display thebackground image based on the normal background image data (one of thenormal background image data A to C).

The VDP 51 reads the normal background image data from the image dataROM 54 based on the above instruction transmitted each predeterminedtime. The VDP 51 displays each pixel data included in the normalbackground display data at a predetermined position on the displayscreen of the liquid crystal display device 4 through processes todevelop and read the normal background image data into the VRAM 55. Thesub-CPU 41 either does or does not change the data to instruct the VDP51 with time to cause the liquid crystal display device 4 to performdisplay of a moving image as the display of the normal background imageA.

Upon receiving a variable display pattern command, the sub-CPU 41 setscontrol data corresponding to the received variable display patterncommand. In this case, the sub-CPU 41 causes the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to directly display the normal background image A. The sub-CPU41 changes data to instruct the VDP 51 with time so as to cause theliquid crystal display device 4 to perform variable displaycorresponding to the control data in the foreground of the display ofthe normal background image. The VDP 51 executes the above instructiontransmitted each predetermined time, and the variable display of thespecial symbols and display the normal background image are thusperformed in the liquid crystal display device 4.

The sub-CPU holds the type of the normal background image (for example,the normal background image A) which is being displayed in the liquidcrystal display device 4.

The sub-CPU 41 serves as effect display control unit, when a particularvariable display pattern is determined by the main CPU 31, causing theliquid crystal display device 4 to perform the variable display of thespecial symbols based on the above particular variable display patternand causing the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform the displayof the normal background image and then a second background image(hereinafter, referred to as a special background image). At this time,between the display of the normal background image and the display ofthe special background image, the sub-CPU 41 causes the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 to display a series of moving images representingtransition from the display of the normal background image to thedisplay of the special background image. A specific description of thisprocess is as follows. The second embodiment is considered taking as anexample of the specific variable display pattern a variable displaypattern of “super reach” or “super reach winning”.

The sub ROM 42 stores data including a background display pattern(hereinafter, referred to as a special background display pattern) withwhich the image control circuit 45 causes the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to display the special background image. The sub ROM 42 storesdata including a transition display pattern A with which the imagecontrol circuit 45 causes the liquid crystal display device 4 to displaya series of moving images representing transition from the display ofthe normal background image A to the display of the special backgroundimage, data including a transition display pattern B with which theimage control circuit 45 causes the liquid crystal display device 4 todisplay a series of moving images representing transition from thedisplay of the normal background image B to the display of the specialbackground image, and data including a transition display pattern C withwhich the image control circuit 45 causes the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to display a series of moving images representing transitionfrom the display of the normal background image C to the display of thespecial background image.

The image data ROM 54 stores special background image data to displaythe special background image on the screen of the liquid crystal displaydevice 4, transition image data A to display the series of moving imagesrepresenting the transition from the display of the normal backgroundimage A to the display of the special background image on the screen ofthe liquid crystal display device 4, transition image data B to displaythe series of moving images representing the transition from the displayof the normal background image B to the display of the specialbackground image on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 4,and transition image data C to display the series of moving imagesrepresenting the transition of the display from the normal backgroundimage C to the display of the special background image on the screen ofthe liquid crystal display device 4.

When the received variable display pattern command relates to “superreach” or “super reach winning”, the sub-CPU 41 sets control datacorresponding to the received variable display pattern command. In thiscase, the sub-CPU 41 changes data to instruct the VDP 51 with time so asto cause the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform variable displaycorresponding to the control data. The VDP 51 executes the aboveinstruction transmitted each predetermined time, and the variabledisplay of the special symbols corresponding to the variable displaypattern of “super reach” or “super reach winning” are performed in theliquid crystal display device 4.

At this time, based on the transition display pattern (for example, thetransition display pattern A) corresponding to the type of the normalbackground image (for example, the normal background image A) which isbeing displayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 and the specialbackground display pattern, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to causethe liquid crystal display device 4 to display the series of movingimages representing the transition from the display of the normalbackground image to the display of the special background image andspecial background image. Upon receiving the instruction to display thetransition image from the sub-CPU 41, the VDP 51 reads from the imagedata ROM 54 the transition image data (for example, the transition imagedata A) corresponding to the type of the normal background image (forexample, the normal background image A) which is being displayed on theliquid crystal display device 4. The VDP 51 causes each pixel dataincluded in the transition image data to be displayed at a predeterminedposition on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 4through the processes to expand and read the read transition image dataonto the VRAM 55. Thereafter, upon receiving the instruction to displaythe special background image from the sub-CPU 41, the VDP 51 reads thespecial background image data from the image data ROM 54. The VDP 51causes each pixel data included in the special image data to bedisplayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of theliquid crystal display device 4 through the processes to expand and readthe read special background image data onto the VRAM 55. The sub-CPU 41either does or does not change the data to instruct the VDP 51 with timeto cause the liquid crystal display device 4 to display the series ofmoving images representing the transition from the normal backgroundimage to the display of the special background image and the specialbackground image.

The sub-CPU 41 serves as background image data selecting unit selectingany one of the several types of normal background image data when apredetermined background image selection condition is established in theliquid crystal display device 4. The sub-CPU 41 serves as backgroundimage display control unit performing display of the normal backgroundimage based on the selected normal background image data after thespecial background image is displayed in the liquid crystal displaydevice 4. The predetermined background image selection condition isestablished, for example, in a case where the variable display of thespecial symbols is performed based on a specific variable displaypattern (variable display pattern of “super reach” or “super reachwinning”), a case where the gaming machine comes into a jackpot gamingstate, and the like. An example of the specific description is asfollows.

For example, upon receiving the variable display pattern command ordemonstration effect command after the liquid crystal display device 4performs the variable display of the special symbols based on thevariable display pattern of “super reach” or “super reach winning”, thesub-CPU 41 samples a random number out of random numbers for selecting anormal background image generated by a random number generator between 0and 99. The sub-CPU 41 then compares the sampled random number and anormal background image selection table shown in FIG. 24 to select oneof the normal background images A to C.

The sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to perform display of the normalbackground image based on the selected normal background image and thenormal background display pattern corresponding to the selected normalbackground image. For example, when selecting the normal backgroundimage C, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to replace display of thespecial background image with display of the normal background image Cbased on the normal background display pattern C. The VDP 51 executesthe above instruction, and display of the normal background image Cbased on the normal background image data C is performed after displayof the special background image is performed in the liquid crystaldisplay device 4.

Moreover, when the gaming machine is brought into a specific gamingstate by the main CPU 31, the sub-CPU 41 causes the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 to perform display of a specific gaming statebackground image different from the normal background image. Herein, asan example of the specific gaming state, the jackpot gaming state isconsidered. A specific description of this process is as follows.

The sub ROM 42 stores data including a background display pattern(hereinafter, referred to as a jackpot gaming state background displaypattern) to display the jackpot gaming state background image. The imagedata ROM 54 stores jackpot gaming state background image data to displaythe jackpot gaming state background image on the screen of the liquidcrystal display device 4.

The main CPU 31 generates a jackpot gaming start command when cominginto the jackpot gaming state. Upon receiving the jackpot gaming startcommand, the sub-CPU 41 sets control data corresponding to the jackpotgaming start command. Based on the jackpot state background displaypattern included in the set control data, the sub-CPU 41 instructs theVDP 51 to perform display of the background image based on the jackpotgaming state background image data instated of the current display.

Based on the above instruction, the VDP 51 reads the jackpot gamingstate background image data from the image data ROM 54 and causes eachpixel data included in the jackpot gaming state background image data tobe displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of theliquid crystal display device 4 through processes to expand and read thejackpot gaming state background image data onto the VRAM 55.

After the jackpot gaming state is terminated, based on the normalbackground image data selected by the sub-CPU 41, the sub-CPU 41 and VDP51 further cause the liquid crystal display device 4 to replace displayof the jackpot gaming state background image with display of the normalbackground image. A specific description of an example of this processis as follows.

When terminating the jackpot gaming state, the main CPU 31 generates ajackpot gaming state termination command. Upon receiving the jackpotgaming state termination command, the sub-CPU 41 sets control datacorresponding to the jackpot gaming state termination command. Based onthe above control data, the sub-CPU 41 determines the termination of thejackpot gaming. The sub-CPU 41 selects any one of the normal backgroundimages A to C as previously described. The time when the sub-CPU 41selects the normal background image is not limited to after the jackpotgaming is terminated, and the normal background image to be displayed inthe liquid crystal display device 4 may be selected before the jackpotgaming is terminated.

Based on the selected normal background image and normal backgrounddisplay pattern corresponding to the selected normal background image,the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to perform display of the normalbackground image. For example, when selecting display of the normalbackground image B, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to replacedisplay of the jackpot gaming state background image with display of thenormal background image B based on the normal background display patternB. The VDP 51 executes the above instruction, and, in the liquid crystaldisplay device 4, display of the normal background image B is thereforeperformed based on the normal background image data B after the jackpotgaming state background image is displayed.

(Gaming Machine Operation of Second Embodiment)

Hereinafter, a description is given of an operation of the gamingmachine 1 in the second embodiment. In the operation of the gamingmachine 1 of the second embodiment, a description of the same processesas those explained in the first embodiment are omitted or simplified.

In a command reception process of the sub control circuit 40 of thesecond embodiment, a command reception process shown in FIG. 25 isfurther performed. FIG. 25 is a flowchart shown in the command receptionprocess of the sub control circuit 40 of the second embodiment. It isassumed that the normal background image is being already displayed inthe liquid crystal display device 4.

In Step 500, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether a received command is thedemonstration effect command from the main control circuit 30. When thereceived command is not the demonstration effect command, the sub-CPU 41proceeds to a process of Step 510, and when the received command is thedemonstration effect command, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process ofStep 580.

In Step 510, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether the received command is thevariable display pattern command. When the received command is thevariable display pattern command, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a processof Step 530, and when the received command is not the variable displaypattern command, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 520.

In Step 520, the sub-CPU 41 sets control data in a predetermined workarea of the sub RAM 43 corresponding to the received command. Forexample, when setting control data corresponding to the jackpot gamingstart command, in the image display control process of Step 210, basedon the jackpot gaming state background display pattern included in theset control data, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to perform displayof the jackpot gaming state background image based on the jackpot gamingstate background image data instead of the current display. By the aboveinstruction being executed by the VDP 51, display of the normalbackground image is replaced with the jackpot gaming state backgroundimage based on the jackpot gaming state background image data. When thereceived command is the jackpot gaming termination command, the sub-CPU41 sets control data corresponding to the jackpot gaming terminationcommand.

In Step 530, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether or not the variable displaypattern corresponding to the variable display pattern command previouslyreceived is the variable display pattern of “super reach” or “superreach winning”. When the variable display pattern corresponding to thevariable display pattern command previously received is the variabledisplay pattern of “super reach” or “super reach winning”, the sub-CPU41 proceeds to a process of Step 550. When the variable display pattercorresponding to the variable display pattern command previouslyreceived is not either the variable display pattern of “super reach” or“super reach winning”, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 540.

In Step 540, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether the jackpot gaming state isterminated. Specifically, when the control data corresponding to thejackpot gaming termination command has been set, the sub-CPU 41determines the termination of the jackpot gaming state. When the controldata corresponding to the jackpot gaming termination command has notbeen set, the sub-CPU 41 determines that the jackpot gaming state is notterminated. When the jackpot gaming state is terminated, the sub-CPU 41proceeds to a process of Step 550, and when the jackpot gaming state isnot terminated, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 570.

In the Step 550, the sub-CPU 41 sets control data corresponding to thevariable display pattern command. For example, when the variable displaypattern corresponding to the received variable display pattern is otherthan the variable display pattern of “super reach” and “super reachwinning”, the sub-CPU 41 sets the control data corresponding to thereceived variable display pattern command. In this case, in the liquidcrystal display device 4, for example, display of the special symbols(display of numerals) and display of the normal background image (otherthan the numerals) shown in FIG. 26A are replaced with variable displayof the special symbols and display of the normal background image shownin FIGS. 26B and 26C, and stop display of the special symbols anddisplay of the normal background image shown in FIG. 26D are thenperformed. The display of the normal background images of FIGS. 26A to26C are a little different from each other to provide display of movingimages.

When the variable display pattern corresponding to the received variabledisplay pattern command is the variable display pattern of “super reach”or “super reach winning”, the sub-CPU 41 sets control data correspondingto the received variable display pattern command. In this case, in theimage display control process of Step 210, the sub-CPU 41 changes datato instruct the VDP 51 with time so as to cause the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 to perform variable display corresponding to thecontrol data. The VDP 51 executes the above instruction transmitted eachpredetermined time, and, in the liquid crystal display device 4,variable display of the special symbols corresponding to the variabledisplay pattern of “super reach” or “super reach winning” is performed.

At this time, based on the transition display pattern and specialbackground display pattern, the sub-CPU 41 changes data to instruct theVDP 51 with time so as to cause the liquid crystal display device 4 toperform display of the special background image after display of aseries of moving images representing transition from display of thenormal background image to display of the special background image. TheVDP 51 executes the above instruction transmitted each predeterminedtime, and, in the liquid crystal display device 4, therefore, display ofthe special background image display is performed after display of theabove series of moving images.

When the variable display pattern received is the variable displaypattern of “super reach” or “super reach winning” and the sub-CPU 41sets control data corresponding to the received variable display patterncommand, for example, images of FIGS. 26E to 27L are displayed. Herein,in FIGS. 26E and 26F, variable display of the special symbols anddisplay of the normal background image are performed. In FIGS. 27G to27I, variable display of the special symbols and display of a series ofmoving images (images of other than numerals) representing thetransition from display of the normal background image to display of thespecial background image are performed. In FIG. 27J, variable display ofthe special symbols and display of special background image (an image ofother than numerals) are performed. When the variable display patternreceived is the variable display pattern of “super reach winning”, stopdisplay of the special symbols and display of the special backgroundimage are performed as shown in FIG. 27K. When the variable displaypattern received is the variable display pattern of “super reach”(“super reach losing”), stop display of the special symbols and displayof the special background image are performed as shown in FIG. 27L. FIG.27H shows the background image moving from right to left. FIG. 27I showsfireworks being set off. Images between FIGS. 27I and 27J show thefireworks moving up. FIG. 27J shows the fireworks being up in the sky.FIG. 27K shows the fireworks being successful. FIG. 27L shows thefireworks being unsuccessful. The sub-CPU 41 terminates the commandreception process after the process of Step 570. The sub-CPU 41terminates the command reception process after the process of Step 550.

In Step 560, the sub-CPU 41 samples a random number for selecting anormal background image. For example, the sub-CPU 41 samples a randomnumber value out of the random numbers for selecting a normal backgroundimage generated by the random generator between 0 and 99.

In Step 570, the sub-CPU 41 selects the normal background image based onthe sampled random number for selecting a normal background image.Specifically, the sub-CPU 41 compares the sampled random number forselecting a normal background image and the normal background imageselection table shown in FIG. 24 and selects one of the normalbackground images A to C.

The sub-CPU 41 sets the normal background display pattern correspondingto the selected normal background image. In the image display controlprocess of Step 210, based on the set normal background display pattern,the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to perform display of the normalbackground image. For example, when selecting display of the normalbackground image C, the sub-CPU 41 instruct the VDP 51 to replacedisplay of the special background image with display of the normalbackground image C based on the normal background display pattern C. Bythe VDP 51 executing the above instructions, in the liquid crystaldisplay device 4, display of the normal background image C is performedbased on the normal background image data C after display of the specialbackground image is displayed.

When the sub-CPU 41 determines the termination of the jackpot gamingstate and selects display of the normal background image C, in the imagedisplay control process of Step 210, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51to replace display of the special background image with display of thenormal background image C based on the normal background display patternC. By the VDP 51 executing the above instruction, in the liquid crystaldisplay device 4, display of the normal background image C based on thenormal background image data C is performed after display of the jackpotgaming state background image is performed.

By the processes of Steps 550, 560, 570, and 210, for example, displayof FIG. 27K or 27L is replaced with variable display of the specialsymbols and display of the normal background image (display of otherthan numerals) shown in FIG. 28.

It can be said that the process to select the normal background image isperformed by these processes when the sub-CPU 41 receives the variabledisplay pattern command for the first time after variable display basedon “super reach” is performed in the liquid crystal display device 4.The sub-CPU 41 proceeds to the process of Step 550 after the process ofStep 570.

In Step 580, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether or not the variable displaypattern command previously received is the variable display pattern of“super reach” or “super reach winning”. When the variable displaypattern command previously received is the variable display pattern of“super reach” or “super reach winning”, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to aprocess of Step 600, and when the variable display pattern correspondingto the variable display pattern command previously received is noteither the variable display pattern of “super reach” or “super reachwinning”, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 590.

In Step 590, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether the jackpot gaming state isterminated. When the jackpot gaming state is terminated, the sub-CPU 41proceeds to the process of Step 600, and when the jackpot gaming stateis not terminated, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 620.

In Step 600, the sub-CPU 41 samples the random number for selecting anormal background image. This process is the same as that of Step 550.

In Step 610, the sub-CPU 41 selects the normal background image based onthe sampled random number for selecting a normal background image. Thisprocess is the same as that of Step 560. The process to select thenormal background image is performed by this process when the sub-CPU 41receives the demonstration effect command for the first time aftervariable display based on “super reach” is performed in the liquidcrystal display device 4. After the process of Step 610, the sub-CPU 41proceeds to the process of Step 620.

In Step 620, the demo effect display data is set. By this process andthe process of Step 210, the demonstration effect is displayed in theliquid crystal display device 4.

(Function and Effect)

According to the second embodiment, when display of the normalbackground image is switched in the liquid crystal display device 4,display of a certain normal background image is not suddenly switched todisplay of another normal background image. When display of the specialbackground image is performed after display of the normal backgroundimage is performed, based on display of the normal background image(normal background image data) selected by the sub-CPU 41, the sub-CPU41 causes the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform display of thenormal background image after display of the special background image.Display of the normal background image is therefore switched on anoccation of the special background image. Accordingly, the player cannotfeel that the background has suddenly changed. Consequently, accordingto the second embodiment, switching display of the background canprevent the player from feeling uncomfortable with the effect of thebackground.

The sub-CPU 41 selects one of the several types of normal backgroundimage data and switches display of the normal background image based onthe selected normal background image data. Accordingly, the player cansee various types of background images, thus enhancing the impact of theeffect in the gaming machine.

According to the second embodiment, switching display of the backgroundcan increase the impact of the effect and prevent the player fromfeeling uncomfortable with the effect of the background.

Furthermore, after the jackpot gaming state is terminated, the sub-CPU41 causes the liquid crystal display device 4 to replace the jackpotgaming state background image with display of the normal backgroundimage based on the selected normal background image data. Accordingly,the normal background image is switched more often, and the player cansee more types of the normal background image, thus further enhancingthe impact of the effect in the gaming machine.

As display of the normal background image, display of the moving imageis performed. Accordingly, the impact of the effect of the backgroundimage can be further enhanced, and it is therefore possible to entertainthe player. The sub-CPU 41 causes the liquid crystal display device 4 todisplay a series of moving images representing the transition fromdisplay of the normal background image to display of the specialbackground image. Accordingly, the moving images are continuouslydisplayed from display of the normal background image to display of thespecial background image, and it is therefore possible to prevent theplayer from feeling uncomfortable with the effect of the background.

(Modification of Second Embodiment)

-   (1) In the aforementioned second embodiment, display of the special    background image is performed during variable display based on the    variable display pattern of “super reach” but not limited to this.    Display of the special background image may be performed during    variable display based on another variable display pattern.-   (2) In the aforementioned second embodiment, the display of the    normal background image is also switched even when the jackpot    gaming state is terminated but not limited to this. For example, the    display of the normal background image may not be switched even when    the jackpot gaming state is terminated.-   (3) In the aforementioned second embodiment, the display of the    normal background image and special background image are    predetermined moving images, but not limited to this, and may be    predetermined still images.    (Third Embodiment)

A gaming machine of the third embodiment further includes the followingfunctions in addition to the functions of the gaming machines of thefirst and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, descriptions ofconfigurations and processes same as those explained in the first andsecond embodiments are omitted or simplified.

The main CPU 31 serves as jackpot determination unit determining ajackpot when a predetermined determination condition is established. Forexample, under the condition that the main RAM 33 stores a start memory,the main CPU 31 determines based on deciding information correspondingto the starting memory whether a variable display result correspondingto the start memory is a predetermined variable display result (forexample, a jackpot variable display result of 7-7-7 or the like) beforethe variable display of identification information corresponding to thestarting memory is executed.

Specifically, for example, the main CPU 31 determines whether a jackpotdetermining random number value corresponding to a start memory with astart memory number of 3 matches a jackpot determination value (orwhether the variable display result corresponding to the above startmemory matches the jackpot variable display result) before variabledisplay of the special symbols corresponding to the start memory areperformed. This process is performed in a start opening detectionprocess of later described Step 122.

When determining a jackpot, the main CPU 31 serves as announcementattraction execution deciding unit deciding whether an announcementattraction to predict a jackpot before the variable display result bythe liquid crystal display device 4 becomes the predetermined variabledisplay result (for example, the jackpot variable display result of7-7-7 or the like).

For example, when the variable display result corresponding to the startmemory is determined to be the above predetermined variable displayresult (for example, the jackpot variable display result of 7-7-7 or thelike) as the result of the jackpot determination, the main CPU 31decides whether to perform the announcement attraction to previouslypredict a jackpot during variable display of the special symbolsexecuted based on a start memory stored before the start memory with thevariable display result determined to be the predetermined variabledisplay result (hereinafter, referred to as a jackpot determinationstart memory) is stored. This process is performed in Step 122-70 of thestart opening detection process of the later described Step 122.

In the third embodiment, when the variable display result correspondingto the start memory is determined to be a losing variable display result(for example, 1-2-3 or the like) as the result of the jackpotdetermination, the main CPU 31 decides whether to perform theannouncement attraction to previously predict a possibility of a jackpotduring variable display of the special symbols executed based on a startmemory stored before the start memory with the variable display resultdetermined to be the losing variable display result (hereinafter,referred to as a losing determination start memory) is stored.

In the third embodiment, as an example, a description is given of a casewhere the main CPU 31 decides whether to perform a continuousannouncement attraction to perform the announcement attractionpreviously predicting a jackpot during variable display of the specialsymbols executed based on each of start memories stored before thedetermination start memory (the jackpot or losing determination startmemory) is stored. Note that the present invention can be applied evenif the main CPU 31 decides whether to perform the above continuousannouncement attraction only for the jackpot determination start memory.

The continuous announcement attraction is that, for example, when ajackpot determining random number value corresponding to a start memorywith the start memory number of 3 matches the jackpot determinationvalue, a announcement attraction is performed during variable display ofthe special symbols (during variable display performed based on a startmemory with the start memory number of 1 and variable display performedbased on a start memory with the start memory number of 2) executedbefore variable display of the special symbols is performed based on thejackpot determination start memory (the start memory with the startmemory number of 3).

The liquid crystal display device 4 serves as announcement attractionexecuting unit performing the announcement attraction when the main CPU31 decides to perform the announcement attraction (for example, thecontinuous announcement attraction). For example, when the main CPU 31decides to perform the announcement attraction (for example, thecontinuous announcement attraction), the liquid crystal display device 4performs the announcement attraction during variable display of thespecial symbols executed based on a start memory stored before thedetermination start memory (the jackpot or losing determination startmemory) is stored.

Specifically, when the main CPU 31 decides to execute the continuousannouncement attraction, the liquid crystal display device 4 performsthe announcement attraction during variable display of the specialsymbols executed before variable display of the special symbols based onthe determination start memory (the jackpot or losing determinationstart memory). This process is described in detail in a later-describedcommand reception process.

The sub ROM 42 stores several types of announcement attraction data todisplay the announcement attraction image data at a predeterminedposition on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 4.

In the third embodiment, as an example, the sub ROM 42 storesannouncement attraction data 1 to 6. The announcement attraction data isdata to execute display, lighting of lamps, or the like for theannouncement attraction. The announcement attraction data 1 includes aannouncement attraction pattern 1. This announcement attraction pattern1 (hereinafter, referred to as a successful firework making announcementattraction pattern) is to display a situation where a workersuccessfully makes fireworks (hereinafter, referred to as successfulfirework making). The announcement attraction data 2 includes anannouncement attraction pattern 2. The announcement attraction pattern 2(hereinafter, referred to as an unsuccessful firework makingannouncement attraction pattern) is to display a situation where theworker fails to make fireworks (hereinafter, referred to as unsuccessfulfirework making). The announcement attraction data 3 includes anannouncement attraction pattern 3. The announcement attraction pattern 3(hereinafter, referred to as a successful firework setting announcementattraction pattern) is to display a situation where the workersuccessfully sets fireworks in a launcher (hereinafter, referred to assuccessful firework setting). The announcement attraction data 4includes an announcement attraction pattern 4. The announcementattraction pattern 4 (hereinafter, referred to as an unsuccessfulfirework setting announcement attraction pattern) is to display asituation where the worker fails to set fireworks in the launcher(hereinafter, referred to as unsuccessful firework setting). Theannouncement attraction data 5 includes an announcement attractionpattern 5. The announcement attraction pattern 5 (hereinafter, referredto as a successful firework lighting announcement attraction pattern) isto display a situation where the worker successfully lights fireworks(hereinafter, successful firework lighting). The announcement attractiondata 6 includes a announcement attraction pattern 6. The announcementattraction pattern 6 (hereinafter, referred to as an unsuccessfulfirework lighting announcement attraction pattern) is to display asituation where the worker fails to light fireworks (hereinafter,referred to as unsuccessful firework lighting).

As announcement attraction image data to display the announcementattraction on the liquid crystal display device 4, announcementattraction image data necessary to perform display according to eachannouncement attraction pattern is stored in the image data ROM 54. Eachannouncement attraction image data is associated with one of asuccessful continuation losing variable display pattern or unsuccessfulcontinuation losing variable display pattern described later. A detaileddescription thereof is given in a description of Step 750 in thelater-described command reception process.

The main CPU 31 serves as variable display pattern deciding unit, basedon the jackpot determination result, deciding on a variable displaypattern to execute at least one of normal varying display of specialsymbols with a low jackpot possibility and reach variable display of thespecial symbols with a high jackpot possibility until the variabledisplay result of the special symbols is derived out of a plurality ofvariable display patterns after the beginning of the variable display ofthe special symbols. Herein, the liquid crystal display device 4 servesas variable display unit performing variable display of theidentification information based on the variable display pattern decidedby the main CPU 31.

Specifically, as the variable display pattern corresponding to thejackpot determination, the main CPU 31 decides between a particularvariable display pattern to execute the aforementioned reach varyingdisplay after normal varying display shorter than normal varying displayin the case where the announcement attraction execution deciding unitdecides not to execute the announcement attraction (for example,continuous announcement attraction) and a particular variable displaypattern to execute only the reach varying display. For example, the mainCPU 31 decides on the above particular variable display pattern as thevariable display pattern corresponding to the aforementioneddetermination start memory (the jackpot or losing determination startmemory).

Herein, as an example, a description is given of the case where, as thevariable display pattern corresponding to the aforementioneddetermination start memory (the jackpot or losing determination startmemory), the main CPU 31 decides on a particular variable displaypattern to execute the aforementioned reach varying display after normalvarying display shorter than normal varying display in the case wherethe announcement attraction execution deciding unit decides not toexecute the announcement attraction (for example, the continuousannouncement attraction). Note that the present invention can be alsoapplied when the main CPU 31 decides on the particular variable displaypattern to execute only the aforementioned reach varying display.

Herein, the normal varying display of the special symbols is varyingdisplay indicating a low jackpot possibility and, for example, isdisplay in which “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbols are individuallyvarying. The reach varying display of the special symbols is varyingdisplay indicating a high jackpot possibility and, for example, isdisplay in which the “left” and “right” symbols are being stopped andthe “middle” symbols is varying.

Generally, the player is playing games in the aforementioned normalvarying display wanting to come into a reach state.

An example of the specific description of the variable display patterndeciding process is as follows. The plurality of variable displaypatterns are: a variable display pattern to execute the normal varyingdisplay for a first predetermined time and then execute losing stopdisplay; a variable display pattern to execute the normal varyingdisplay for the first predetermined time, execute the reach varyingdisplay with a high jackpot possibility, and then execute the losingstop display; a variable display pattern to execute the normal varyingdisplay for the first predetermined time, execute the reach varyingdisplay, and then execute jackpot stop display; a first particularvariable display pattern to execute the normal varying display for asecond predetermined time (much shorter than the first predeterminedtime), execute the reach varying display, and then execute the jackpotstop display; and a second particular variable display pattern toexecute the normal varying display for the second predetermined time,execute the reach varying display, and then execute the losing stopdisplay.

When deciding not to execute the continuous announcement attraction,based on the results of the determination whether a jackpot is hit andthe determination whether the reach state is attained, the main CPU 31selects one of the plurality of variable display patterns (except thefirst and second particular variable display patterns, successfulcontinuation losing variable display pattern, and unsuccessfulcontinuation losing variable display pattern) as the variable displaypattern corresponding to variable display of the special symbols.

When deciding to execute the continuous announcement attraction, basedon the result of the determination whether a jackpot is hit, the mainCPU 31 selects one of the first and second particular variable displaypatterns as the variable display pattern corresponding to variabledisplay of the special symbols based on the determination start memory(the jackpot or losing determination start memory). The detaileddescription of this process is given in a description of the variabledisplay pattern deciding process of later-described Step 20-2.

(Gaming Machine Operation of Third embodiment)

Hereinafter, a description is given of an operation of the gamingmachine 1 in the third embodiment. In the operation of the gamingmachine of the third embodiment, descriptions of same processes as thoseexplained in the first and second embodiments are omitted or simplified.

In the start opening detection process of the third embodiment, thefollowing process is performed. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the startopening detection process in the third embodiment.

In Step 122-61, the main CPU 31 reads a value of a start memory numbercounter and checks whether the value of the start memory number counteris less than “4”. When the value of the start memory number counter isnot less than “4”, the main CPU 31 terminates the start openingdetection process. When the value of the start memory number counter isless than “4”, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 122-62.

In Step 122-62, the main CPU 31 increments the start memory numbercounter by 1.

In Step 122-63, the main CPU 31 samples the jackpot determining randomnumber value and jackpot symbol random number value as the decisioninformation. In Step 122-64, the main CPU 31 stores the sampled jackpotdetermining random number value and jackpot symbol random number valuein a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 33 as the start memory.

In Step 122-65, the main CPU 31 checks whether the value of a continuousannouncement counter is less than 1. Herein, the continuous announcementcounter indicates how many more times the announcement attraction in thecontinuous announcement attraction will be performed. In later-describedStep 122-72, in the continuous announcement counter, the value set inthe start memory counter is set in the case of winning a continuousannouncement execution lottery. Thereafter, the continuous announcementcounter is decremented by 1 each time the variable display is performed.Alternatively, when the jackpot variable display is performed after thevalue set in the start memory counter is set, the continuousannouncement counter is set to 0. When the value of the continuousannouncement counter is not less than 1, the main CPU 31 terminates thestart opening detection process, and when the value of the continuousannouncement counter is 0, the main CPU 31 proceeds to Step 122-66.

In the Step 122-66, the main CPU 31 compares the jackpot determiningrandom number value stored in the Step 122-64 with a predeterminedjackpot determination value.

In Step 122-67, the main CPU 31 checks whether the jackpot determiningrandom number value matches the predetermined jackpot determinationvalue. When the jackpot determining random number value matches thepredetermined jackpot determination value (in the case of a jackpot),the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 122-68. When the jackpotdetermining random number value does not match the predetermined jackpotdetermination value (in the case of losing), the main CPU 31 proceeds toa process of Step 122-69.

In Step 122-68, the main CPU 31 performs a lottery process to decidewhether to execute the continuous announcement attraction. A specificdescription thereof is as follows. The main CPU 31 samples a randomnumber value for deciding on execution of the continuous announcementattraction and determines execution of the continuous announcementattraction to be won when the sampled random number value is in apredetermined range. In this process, the probability of winning theexecution of the continuous announcement attraction is, for example, ½.However, the probability of winning the execution of the continuousannouncement attraction may be set to 1 so that the main CPU 1 alwaysdetermines the execution of the continuous announcement attraction to bewon each time the jackpot determining random number value matches thepredetermined jackpot determination value.

In Step 122-69, the main CPU 31 performs a lottery process to decidewhether to execute the continuous announcement attraction. Specifically,the main CPU 31 samples a random number value for decision on executionof the continuous announcement attraction and determines the executionof the continuous announcement attraction to be won when the sampledrandom number value is in a predetermined range. In this process, theprobability of winning the execution of the continuous announcementattraction is, for example, 1/200. However, the probability of winningthe execution of the continuous announcement attraction may be set to 0so that the main CPU 31 always determines the execution of thecontinuous announcement attraction not to be won each time the jackpotdetermining random number value does not match the predetermined jackpotdetermination value.

In Step 122-70, the main CPU 31 checks whether the lottery to decide theexecution of the continuous announcement attraction is won. In the caseof not winning in the lottery to decide the execution of the continuousannouncement attraction, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step122-71. In the case of winning in the lottery to decide the execution ofthe continuous announcement attraction, the main CPU 31 proceeds to aprocess of Step 122-72.

In Step 122-71, the main CPU 31 generates and sets a start memory numbercommand indicating the value of the start memory counter. Upon thiscommand being transmitted to the sub control circuit 40, for example,the start memory number is displayed in a predetermined area of theliquid crystal display device 4.

In Step 122-72, the main CPU 31 sets the continuous announcement counterto the value set to the start memory counter. The main CPU 31 sets anannouncement execution counter to 0. This announcement execution counterrepresents the number of times for which the announcement attraction inthe continuous announcement attraction has been performed. Herein, theannouncement execution counter is incremented by 1 each time that thevariable display based on the successful continuation losing variabledisplay pattern in a process of later-described Step 20-2-908. By theprocess of Step 122-72, the announcement execution counter is reset to0. The main CPU 31 generates and sets the start memory number commandindicating the value of the start memory counter.

As the variable display pattern deciding process of the Step 20-2-9 toimplement the function of the third embodiment, the following process isperformed. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the variable display patterndeciding process of the third embodiment.

Herein, the main ROM stores a variable display pattern selection tableshown in FIG. 31. As shown in this table, when the value of thecontinuous announcement counter value is not less than 1 in the case ofa jackpot, one of continuous announcement super reach jackpot variabledisplay patterns 1 to 4 is selected. Herein, each of the continuousannouncement super reach jackpot variable display patterns 1 to 4 is thefirst particular variable display pattern to perform the normal varyingdisplay for the second predetermined time (much shorter than the firstpredetermined time), perform the reach varying display of the “superreach”, and then perform the jackpot stop display. The effect displayperformed based on each of the continuous announcement super reachjackpot variable display patterns 1 to 4 is different from another likethe effect display concerning the set fireworks and effect displayconcerning large-tube fireworks.

When the value of the continuous announcement counter is 1 in the caseof losing and reach or when the value of the continuous announcementcounter is 1 and the value of the announcement execution counter is 3 inthe case of losing, one of continuous announcement super reach losingvariable display patterns 1 to 4 is selected. Herein, each of thecontinuous announcement super reach losing variable display patterns 1to 4 is the second particular variable display pattern to perform thenormal varying display for the second predetermined time, perform thereach varying display of “super reach”, and then perform the losing stopdisplay. The effect display performed based on each of the continuousannouncement super reach losing variable display patterns 1 to 4 isdifferent from another like the effect display concerning set fireworksand effect display concerning large-tube fireworks.

When the value of the continuous announcement counter is 0 in the caseof a jackpot, one of a normal-mode normal reach jackpot variable displaypattern, a normal-mode super reach jackpot variable display pattern, anda normal-mode entire-rotation reach jackpot variable display pattern.Herein, each of the normal-mode normal reach jackpot variable displaypattern, normal-mode super reach jackpot variable display pattern, andnormal-mode entire-rotation reach jackpot variable display pattern isthe variable display pattern to perform the normal varying display forthe first predetermined time, perform the reach varying display of“super reach”, and then perform the jackpot stop display.

When the value of the continuous announcement counter is 0 in the caseof “reach” and losing, one of a normal-mode normal reach losing variabledisplay pattern and a normal-mode super reach losing variable displaypattern is selected. Herein, each of the normal-mode normal reach losingvariable display pattern and normal-mode super reach losing variabledisplay pattern is the variable display pattern to perform the normalvarying display for the first predetermined time, perform the reachvarying display of “super reach”, and then perform the losing stopdisplay.

When the value of the continuous announcement counter is not less than 2in the case of losing, a successful continuation losing variable displaypattern is selected. This variable display pattern is the variabledisplay pattern to perform the normal varying display for the firstpredetermined time and then perform the losing stop display. Whenvariable display is performed based on the successful continuationlosing variable display pattern, display according to one of thesuccessful firework making announcement attraction pattern, successfulfirework setting announcement attraction pattern, and successfulfirework lighting announcement attraction pattern is performed.

When the value of the continuous announcement counter is 1 and the valueof the announcement execution counter is not more than 2 in the case oflosing and “not reach”, an unsuccessful continuation losing variabledisplay pattern is selected. This variable display pattern is thevariable display pattern to perform the normal varying display for thefirst predetermined time and then perform the losing stop display. Whenvariable display is performed based on the unsuccessful continuationlosing variable display pattern, display according to one of theunsuccessful firework making announcement attraction pattern,unsuccessful firework setting announcement attraction pattern, andunsuccessful firework lighting announcement attraction pattern isperformed.

In the case of losing other than the aforementioned cases, a normallosing (normal-mode losing) variable display pattern is selected. Thisvariable display pattern is the variable display pattern to perform thenormal varying display for the first predetermined time and then performthe losing stop display.

In Step 20-2-901, the main CPU 31 checks whether the result of thejackpot determination in the Step 20-2-6 indicates a change of thegaming state into the jackpot gaming state. When the result of thejackpot determination indicates a change of the gaming state into thejackpot gaming state, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step20-2-914, and when the result of the jackpot determination does notindicate a change of the gaming state into the jackpot gaming state, themain CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-902.

In Step 20-2-902, the main CPU 31 checks whether the value of thecontinuous announcement counter is less than 1. When the value of thecontinuous announcement counter is not less than 1, the main CPU 31proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-906. When the value of the continuousannouncement counter is 0, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step20-2-903.

In Step 20-2-903, the main CPU 31 checks whether the reach is determinedin Step 20-2-7. When “reach” is determined in Step 20-2-7, the main CPU31 proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-904. When “reach” is notdetermined in Step 20-2-7, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step20-2-905.

In Step 20-2-904, the main CPU 31 sets the normal-mode reach losingvariable display pattern corresponding to losing in “reach” based on thevariable display pattern selection table. Herein, the main CPU 31selects one of the normal-mode normal reach losing variable displaypattern and normal-mode super reach losing variable display pattern byrandom lottery.

In Step 20-2-905, the main CPU 31 sets the normal losing variabledisplay pattern based on the variable display pattern selection table.

In Step 20-2-906, the main CPU 31 checks whether the value of thecontinuous announcement counter is 1. When the value of the continuousannouncement counter is 1, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step20-2-909. When the value of the continuous announcement counter is not1, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-907.

In Step 20-2-907, based on the variable display pattern selection table,the main CPU 31 sets the successful continuation losing variable displaypattern corresponding to the case of losing when the value of thecontinuous announcement counter is not less than 2.

In Step 20-2-908, the main CPU 31 increments the announcement executioncounter by 1. Thereafter, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step20-2-913.

In Step 20-2-909, the main CPU 31 checks whether “reach” is determinedin Step 20-2-7. When “reach” is determined in Step 20-2-7, the main CPU31 proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-910, and when “reach” is notdetermined in Step 20-2-7, the main CPU 31 proceeds to Step 20-2-911.

In Step 20-2-910, based on the variable display pattern selection table,the main CPU 31 selects the continuous announcement super reach losingvariable display pattern. Herein, the main CPU 31 selects one of thefour continuous announcement super reach losing variable displaypatterns by random lottery.

In Step 20-2-911, the main CPU 31 checks whether the value of theannouncement execution counter is 3. When the value of the announcementexecution counter is 3, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of Step20-2-910. When the value of the announcement execution counter is not 3,the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-912.

In Step 20-2-912, based on the variable display pattern selection table,the main CPU 31 sets the unsuccessful continuation losing variabledisplay pattern corresponding to the case of losing and “not reach” whenthe value of the continuation announcement counter is 1 and the value ofthe announcement execution counter is not more than 2.

In Step 20-2-913, the main CPU 31 decrements the continuationannouncement counter by one.

In Step 20-2-914, the main CPU 31 checks whether the value of thecontinuation announcement counter is not less than 1. When the value ofthe continuation announcement counter is not less than 1, the main CPU31 proceeds to a process of Step 20-2-915. When the value of thecontinuation announcement counter is 0, the main CPU 31 proceeds to aprocess of Step 20-2-916.

In Step 20-2-915, based on the variable display pattern selection table,the main CPU 31 selects the continuous announcement super reach jackpotvariable display pattern. Herein, the main CPU 31 selects one of thefour continuous announcement super reach jackpot variable displaypatterns by random lottery. Thereafter, the main CPU 31 proceeds to aprocess of Step 20-2-917.

In Step 20-2-916, based on the variable display pattern selection table,the main CPU 31 selects the normal-mode reach jackpot variable displaypattern. Herein, the main CPU 31 selects one of the normal-mode normalreach jackpot super reach, normal-mode super reach jackpot, andnormal-mode entire-rotation reach jackpot variable display patterns byrandom lottery. Thereafter, the main CPU 31 proceeds to a process ofStep 20-2-917.

In Step 20-2-917, the main CPU 31 sets the value of the continuousannouncement counter to 0.

As the command reception process in the sub control circuit 40 toimplement the function of the third embodiment, the following process isperformed. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the command reception processof the third embodiment.

In Step 700, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether the received command is thevariable display pattern command from the main control circuit 30. Whenthe received command is the variable display pattern command, thesub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 720. When the received commandis not the variable display pattern command, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds toa process of Step 710.

In Step 710, the sub-CPU 41 sets the control data in a predeterminedwork area of the sub RAM 43 corresponding to the received command.

In Step 720, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether the variable display patternindicated by the received variable display pattern command is thejackpot variable display pattern. When the variable display patterncorresponding to the received variable display pattern command is thejackpot variable display pattern, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a processof Step 810, and when the variable display pattern indicated by thereceived variable display pattern command is not the jackpot variabledisplay pattern, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 730.

In Step 730, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether the variable display patternindicated by the received variable display pattern command is one of thesuccessful and unsuccessful continuation losing variable displaypatterns. When the variable display pattern indicated by the receivedvariable display pattern command is one of the successful andunsuccessful continuation losing variable display patterns, the sub-CPU41 proceeds to a process of Step 740. When the variable display patternindicated by the received variable display pattern command is neitherthe successful continuation losing variable display pattern norunsuccessful continuation losing variable display pattern, the sub-CPU41 proceeds to a process of Step 760.

In Step 740, the sub-CPU 41 increments the continuous announcementexecution counter by 1. This continuous announcement execution counterindicates the number of times that the announcement attraction in thecontinuous announcement attraction is executed in the sub controlcircuit 40. In other words, when the sub-CPU 41 receives the variabledisplay pattern command corresponding to the successful or unsuccessfulcontinuation losing variable display pattern, since the announcementattraction in the continuous announcement attraction is performed oncein later described Step 750, the sub-CPU 41 increments the continuousannouncement execution counter by 1.

In Step 750, the sub-CPU 41 reads and sets the announcement attractiondata from the sub ROM 42 according to the value of the continuousannouncement execution counter. The sub-CPU 41 then allows the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform the announcement attraction displaybased on the announcement attraction pattern included in the setannouncement attraction data in the process of Step 210. A detaileddescription of this process is as follows.

The sub ROM 42 stores an announcement attraction data selection tableshown in FIG. 33. In this selection table, each announcement attractiondata is associated with one of the successful and unsuccessfulcontinuation losing variable display patterns and the value of thecontinuous announcement execution counter.

The image data ROM 54 stores: announcement attraction image data 1necessary to perform display according to the successful firework makingannouncement attraction pattern; announcement attraction image data 2necessary to perform display according to the unsuccessful fireworkmaking announcement attraction pattern; announcement attraction imagedata 3 necessary to perform display according to the successful fireworksetting announcement attraction pattern; announcement attraction imagedata 4 necessary to perform display according to the unsuccessfulfirework setting announcement attraction pattern; and announcementattraction image data 5 necessary to perform display according to thesuccessful firework lighting announcement attraction pattern; andannouncement attraction image data 6 necessary to perform displayaccording to the unsuccessful firework lighting announcement attractionpattern.

When the sub-CPU 41 receives the variable display pattern commandcorresponding to the successful continuation losing variable displaypattern and the value of the continuous announcement execution counteris 1, the sub-CPU 41 reads and sets announcement attraction data 1 fromthe sub ROM 42 based on the announcement attraction data selectiontable. In the image display control process of Step 210, the sub-CPU 41instructs the VDP 51 to cause the liquid crystal display device 4 toperform the announcement attraction display according to the successfulfirework making announcement attraction pattern included in theannouncement attraction data 1. The VDP 51 executes the aboveinstruction, and the announcement attraction display according to thesuccessful firework making announcement attraction pattern is thereforeperformed in the liquid crystal display device 4. For example, in theliquid crystal display device 4, a series of images from an image ofFIG. 34A up to an image of FIG. 34B is displayed.

In a similar way, when the sub-CPU 41 receives the variable displaypattern command corresponding to the unsuccessful continuation losingvariable display pattern and the value of the continuous announcementexecution counter is 1, the sub-CPU 41 reads and sets announcementattraction data 2 from the sub ROM 42 based on the announcementattraction data selection table. In the image display control process ofStep 210, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to cause the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform the announcement attraction displayaccording to the unsuccessful firework making announcement attractionpattern included in the announcement attraction data 2. The VDP 51executes the above instruction, and the announcement attraction displayaccording to the unsuccessful firework making announcement attractionpattern is performed in the liquid crystal display device 4. Forexample, in the liquid crystal display device 4, a series of images froman image of FIG. 34A up to an image of FIG. 34C is displayed.

In a similar way, when the sub-CPU 41 receives the variable displaypattern command corresponding to the successful continuation losingvariable display pattern and the value of the continuous announcementexecution counter is 2, the sub-CPU 41 reads and sets announcementattraction data 3 from the sub ROM 42 based on the announcementattraction data selection table. In the image display control process ofStep 210, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to cause the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform the announcement attraction displayaccording to the successful firework setting announcement attractionpattern included in the announcement attraction data 3. The VDP 51executes the above instruction, and the announcement attraction displayaccording to the successful firework setting announcement attractionpattern is therefore performed in the liquid crystal display device 4.For example, in the liquid crystal display device 4, a series of imagesfrom an image of FIG. 35A up to an image of FIG. 35B is displayed.

In a similar way, when the sub-CPU 41 receives the variable displaypattern command corresponding to the unsuccessful continuation losingvariable display pattern and the value of the continuous announcementexecution counter is 2, the sub-CPU 41 reads and sets announcementattraction data 4 from the sub ROM 42 based on the announcementattraction data selection table. In the image display control process ofStep 210, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to cause the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform the announcement attraction displayaccording to the unsuccessful firework setting announcement attractionpattern included in the announcement attraction data 4. The VDP 51executes the above instruction, and the announcement attraction displayaccording to the unsuccessful firework setting announcement attractionpattern is therefore performed in the liquid crystal display device 4.For example, in the liquid crystal display device 4, a series of imagesfrom an image of FIG. 35A up to an image of FIG. 35C is displayed.

In a similar way, when the sub-CPU 41 receives the variable displaypattern command corresponding to the successful continuation losingvariable display pattern and the value of the continuous announcementexecution counter is 3, the sub-CPU 41 reads and sets announcementattraction data 5 from the sub ROM 42 based on the announcementattraction data selection table. In the image display control process ofStep 210, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to cause the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform the announcement attraction displayaccording to the successful firework lighting announcement attractionpattern included in the announcement attraction data 5. The VDP 51executes the above instruction, and the announcement attraction displayaccording to the successful lighting announcement attraction pattern istherefore performed in the liquid crystal display device 4. For example,in the liquid crystal display device 4, a series of images from an imageof FIG. 36A up to an image of FIG. 36B is displayed.

In a similar way, when the sub-CPU 41 receives the variable displaypattern command corresponding to the unsuccessful continuation losingvariable display pattern and the value of the continuous announcementexecution counter is 3, the sub-CPU 41 reads and sets announcementattraction data 6 from the sub ROM 42 based on the announcementattraction data selection table. In the image display control process ofStep 210, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to cause the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform the announcement attraction displayaccording to the unsuccessful firework lighting announcement attractionpattern included in the announcement attraction data 6. The VDP 51executes the above instruction, and the announcement attraction displayaccording to the unsuccessful firework lighting announcement attractionpattern is therefore performed in the liquid crystal display device 4.For example, in the liquid crystal display device 4, a series of imagesfrom an image of FIG. 36A up to an image of FIG. 36C is displayed.

In Step 760, the sub-CPU 41 sets control data corresponding to thereceived variable display pattern command. Based on the set controldata, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to perform variable displaycorresponding to the variable display pattern. VDP 51 causes the liquidcrystal display device 4 to perform the variable display correspondingto the variable display pattern. Herein, when the variable displaypattern corresponding to the variable display pattern command receivedby the sub-CPU 41 is the continuous announcement super reach losingvariable display pattern, in the liquid crystal display device 4, thenormal varying display is performed for the first predetermined time,which is very short, and then the losing stop display is performed.

Based on the set control data, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 tocause the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform effect displayaccording to a predetermined effect pattern (for example, when receivingthe variable display command corresponding to the normal-mode reachlosing variable display pattern, an effect pattern to perform reacheffect display). The VDP 51 executes the above instruction, and, forexample, the reach effect display or the like is therefore performed inthe liquid crystal display device 4.

In Step 770, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether the variable display patterncorresponding to the received variable display pattern command is theunsuccessful continuation losing variable display pattern. When thevariable display pattern corresponding to the received variable displaypattern command is the unsuccessful continuation losing variable displaypattern, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to Step 790, and when the variabledisplay pattern corresponding to the received variable display patterncommand is not the unsuccessful continuation losing variable displaypattern, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step 780.

In Step 780, the sub-CPU 41 sets the value of the continuousannouncement execution counter to 0.

In Step 790, the sub-CPU 41 checks whether the value of the continuousannouncement counter is 1 and the variable display pattern correspondingto the received variable display pattern command is the continuousannouncement super reach losing variable display pattern. When thevariable display pattern corresponding to the received variable displaypattern command is the continuous announcement super reach losingvariable display pattern, the sub-CPU 41 proceeds to a process of Step800. When the variable display pattern corresponding to the receivedvariable display pattern command is not the continuous announcementsuper reach losing variable display pattern, the sub-CPU 41 terminatesthe command reception process.

In Step 800, the sub-CPU 41 sets the value of the continuousannouncement execution counter to 0.

In Step 810, the sub-CPU 41 sets the value of the continuousannouncement execution counter to 0.

In Step 820, the sub-CPU 41 sets control data corresponding to thereceived variable display pattern command. Based on the set controldata, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 to perform variable displaycorresponding to the variable display pattern. The VDP 51 causes theliquid crystal display device 4 to perform the variable displaycorresponding to the variable display pattern.

Herein, when the variable display pattern corresponding to the variabledisplay pattern command received by the sub-CPU 41 is the continuousannouncement super reach jackpot variable display pattern, in the liquidcrystal display device 4, the normal varying display is performed forthe very short first predetermined time, and then the jackpot stopdisplay is performed. When the variable display pattern corresponding tothe variable display pattern command received by the sub-CPU 41 is thecontinuous announcement super reach jackpot variable display pattern,based on the set control data, the sub-CPU 41 instructs the VDP 51 tocause the liquid crystal display device 4 to perform effect displayaccording to the effect pattern to perform super reach jackpot effectdisplay. The VDP51 executes the above instruction, and, for example,reach effect display or the like is therefore performed in the liquidcrystal display device 4. When the variable display patterncorresponding to the variable display pattern command received by thesub-CPU 41 is the continuous announcement super reach jackpot variabledisplay pattern, the normal varying display is performed for a veryshort time, and then as shown in FIG. 37A, reach varying display of thespecial symbols (display of numerals) and display of the effect image(display of other than numerals) are performed. During the reach varyingdisplay, as shown in FIG. 37B, the reach varying display of the specialsymbols and display of the effect image are performed, and as shown inFIG. 37C, stop display of jackpot symbols as the special symbols anddisplay of the effect image are performed.

(Function and Effect)

In the third embodiment, when deciding to execute the announcementattraction (for example, the continuous announcement attraction), as thevariable display pattern corresponding to the determination start memory(for example, the jackpot determination start memory), the main CPU 31decides whether the particular variable display pattern to execute thereach varying display after the normal varying display (for example, thecontinuous announcement super reach jackpot variable display pattern)which is shorter than the normal varying display performed when theannouncement attraction is decided not to be executed, or the particularvariable display pattern to execute only the reach varying display.

When the player expects the reach varying display to be performed,therefore, the normal varying display is performed for a short time ornot performed before the reach varying display is performed in thegaming machine. Accordingly, the player does not feel wasting his/hertime during the normal varying display and is prevented from losing theenthusiasm for gaming.

In the third embodiment, the main CPU 31 can decide whether to executethe continuous announcement attraction to execute the announcementattraction to previously predict a jackpot during the variable displayof the special symbols executed based on the start memory stored beforethe determination start memory (for example, the jackpot determinationstart memory) is stored, and the sub-CPU 41 can execute the aboveannouncement attraction several times. It is therefore possible toprevent the player from losing the enthusiasm for gaming and increasethe impact of the effect.

According to the third embodiment, execution of the announcementattraction (for example, the continuous announcement attraction) canincrease an expectation of the player for a jackpot and prevent theplayer from losing the enthusiasm for gaming.

In the third embodiment, variable display based on the continuousannouncement super reach variable display pattern and the effect thereofare performed each time the announcement attraction in the continuousannouncement attraction is performed three times. Accordingly, theenthusiasm of the player for gaming can be enhanced, and the interest tothe game can be further enhanced.

(Modification 1)

The variable display pattern selection table in the aforementioned thirdembodiment may be modified as follows. The main ROM 32 stores a firstvariable display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 38A, a secondvariable display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 38B, a thirdvariable display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 38C, and a fourthvariable display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 38D.

In each of the variable display pattern selection table, each variabledisplay pattern is associated with one of jackpot and losing, andinformation about whether “reach” is attained. In the variable displaypattern deciding process of Step 20-2-9, the main CPU 31 decides thevariable display pattern using the first variable display patternselection table when the value of the continuous announcement counter is0 (or when the continuous announcement attraction is not beingexecuted). When the value of the continuous announcement counter is notless than 2 (or when the continuous announcement attraction is beingexecuted), the main CPU 31 decides the variable display pattern usingthe second variable display pattern selection table. In the variabledisplay pattern deciding process of Step 20-2-9, the main CPU 31 decidesthe variable display pattern using the third variable display patternselection table when the value of the continuous announcement counter is1 and the value of the announcement execution counter is 2 or less (orwhen the continuous announcement attraction has been performed twice orless and the variable display based on the determination start memory isperformed). The main CPU 31 decides the variable display pattern usingthe fourth variable display pattern selection table when the value ofthe continuous announcement counter is 1 and the value of theannouncement execution counter is 3 (or when the continuous announcementattraction has been performed three times and the variable display basedon the determination start memory is performed). Herein, as shown inFIG. 38A, in some cases, the unsuccessful continuation losing variabledisplay pattern is selected to display images of FIGS. 34A to 34C evenwhen the continuous announcement attraction is decided not to beexecuted. This can increase a frequency that the continuous announcementattraction appears compared to the case where the continuousannouncement attraction is performed only when a jackpot is determined.Accordingly, the enthusiasm of the player for gaming can be enhanced,and the interest to the game can be increased.

Each time that the announcement attraction in the continuousannouncement attraction is performed three times, the variable displaybased on the continuous announcement super reach variable displaypattern and the effect thereof are performed. Accordingly, theenthusiasm of the player for gaming can be enhanced, and the interest tothe game can be further increased.

In the third embodiment, the description is given of the case ofexecuting the continuous announcement attraction, but the presentinvention is not limited to this. In various types of the variabledisplay of the special symbols executed based on the start memory storedbefore the determination start memory is stored, the announcementattraction may be preformed during some types of the variable displayand not performed during other types of the variable display.

When the execution of the continuous announcement attraction is decided,the announcement attraction may be performed, not limited to during thevariable display of the special symbols, at another time.

(Modification 2)

In the aforementioned third embodiment and modification 1 thereof, thefollowing modification may be made.

The main CPU 31 decides, based on the result of the jackpotdetermination, the variable display pattern to execute at least one ofthe normal varying display and reach varying display out of theplurality of variable display patterns until the variable display resultof the special symbols is derived after the variable display of thespecial symbols is started.

When a jackpot is determined, the main CPU 31 decides whether to executean announcement attraction to predict the jackpot (hereinafter, singleannouncement attraction) during the variable display performed based onthe determination to be the jackpot.

When deciding to execute the single announcement attraction, as thevariable display pattern corresponding to the variable display of thespecial symbols performed based on the determination to be the jackpot,the main CPU 31 decides whether the particular variable display patternto execute the normal varying display and then execute the reach varyingdisplay or the particular variable display pattern to execute only thenormal varying display. Herein, the duration of the normal varyingdisplay in the variable display performed based on the particularvariable display pattern is shorter than the duration of the normalvarying display in the variable display pattern performed when thesingle announcement attraction is decided not to be executed.

When the main CPU 31 decides to execute the single announcementattraction, the sub-CPU 41 performs the single announcement attractionduring variable display performed based on the determination to be thejackpot. Accordingly, when the single announcement attraction isperformed during the normal varying display, subsequent variable displaycan be configured so that the duration of the normal varying display isshortened or cut to immediately perform the reach varying display.

The operations of the gaming machines of this modification and the thirdembodiment are different from each other at the following points and arethe same at the other points.

In this modification, the processes from Step 122-65 to Step 122-72 arenot performed, and the following processes are performed.

In the process of Step 122-64, the start memory number command is set.

After Step 20-2-8, the main CPU 31 performs the lottery process todecide whether to execute the single announcement attraction. In thisprocess, the probability of winning the execution of the singleannouncement attraction wins is, for example, ½.

On the other hand, after Step 20-2-7, the main CPU 31 performs thelottery process to decide whether to execute the single announcementattraction. In this process, the probability of winning the execution ofthe single announcement attraction is, for example, 1/200.

Subsequently, the main CPU 31 checks whether the lottery to decide theexecution of the single announcement attraction is won. In the case ofwinning in the lottery to decide the execution of the singleannouncement attraction, the main CPU 31 sets a single announcementexecution flag on. This single announcement execution flag is set onwhen execution of the single announcement attraction in the liquidcrystal display device is decided.

The main CPU 31 then proceeds to the process of Step 20-2-9.

In the variable display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 31, theterm “continuous announcement” is replaced with the term “singleannouncement”. In this selection table, the single announcement superreach jackpot variable display pattern is selected when the singleannouncement execution flag is on in the case of a jackpot. The singleannouncement super reach losing variable display pattern is selectedwhen the single announcement execution flag is on in the case of ajackpot. The normal-mode normal reach jackpot variable display patternand the like are selected when the single announcement execution flag isoff in the case of a jackpot. The normal-mode normal reach losingvariable display pattern and the like are selected when the singleannouncement execution flag is off in the case of losing in “reach”. Thenormal-mode losing variable display pattern and the like are selectedwhen the single announcement execution flag is off in the case of losingin “other than reach”. In this modification, the successful andunsuccessful continuation losing variable display patterns are notselected.

In the variable display pattern deciding process of Step 20-2-9, themain CPU 31 checks whether the single announcement execution flag is on.When the single announcement execution flag is not on, the main CPU 31performs the processes of Steps 20-2-903, 20-2-904, and 20-2-905 andterminates the variable display pattern deciding process.

On the other hand, when the single announcement execution flag is on,the main CPU 31 performs the process of Step 20-2-901. When the resultof the jackpot determination is to change the gaming state into thejackpot gaming state, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of Step20-2-915 with the term “continuous announcement” replaced with the term“single announcement”. When the result of the jackpot determination isnot to change the gaming state into the jackpot gaming state, the mainCPU 31 proceeds to the process of Step 20-2-910 with the term“continuous announcement” replaced with the term “single announcement”.Thereafter, the main CPU 31 turns off the single announcement executionflag and then terminates the variable display pattern deciding process.

The sub-CPU 41 performs the command reception process as follows. First,the sub-CPU 41 checks whether the received command is the variabledisplay pattern command from the main control circuit 30. When thereceived command is not the variable display pattern command from themain control circuit 30, the sub-CPU 41 performs the same process asthat of Step 710 and terminates the command reception process.

When the received command is the variable display pattern command, thesub-CPU 41 sets control data corresponding to the received variabledisplay pattern command. Based on the set control data, the sub-CPU 41instructs the VDP 51 to perform variable display corresponding to thevariable display pattern. The VDP 51 causes the liquid crystal displaydevice 4 to perform the variable display corresponding to the variabledisplay pattern.

Herein, when the variable display pattern corresponding to the variabledisplay pattern command received by the sub-CPU 41 is a singleannouncement super reach jackpot variable display pattern, in the liquidcrystal display device 4, the normal varying display is performed for avery short first predetermined time, and the jackpot stop display isthen performed. When the variable display pattern corresponding to thevariable display pattern command received by the sub-CPU 41 is a singleannouncement super reach losing variable display pattern, in the liquidcrystal display device 4, the normal varying display is performed for avery short first predetermined time, and the losing stop display is thenperformed.

Even when the variable display pattern corresponding to the variabledisplay pattern command received by the sub-CPU 41 is the singleannouncement super reach jackpot variable display pattern, in the liquidcrystal display device 4, for example, the reach effect display and thelike are performed.

In this modification, the aforementioned execution of the announcementattraction (single announcement attraction) can enhance the expectationof the player for a jackpot and prevent the player from losing theenthusiasm for gaming.

In the third embodiment, the announcement attraction display isdifferent from the varying display of the special symbols, but notlimited to this, and may be display in which the display of the specialsymbols varies.

The particular variable display pattern decided by the main CPU 31 isnot limited to the patterns in the case of the third embodiment (thecontinuous announcement super reach jackpot variable display pattern andcontinuous announcement super reach losing variable display pattern) andmay be a pattern of another form.

(Modification Example 1 of Embodiments 1 to 3)

The gaming panel base may also be constituted as below. FIGS. 39A to 39Care views showing a configuration of the gaming panel base 32. As shownin FIGS. 39A to 39C, at least a part of the gaming panel base 32 isformed of a transparent member 32 a through which a predetermined imagedisplayed on the liquid crystal display device 4 is visuallyrecognizable when viewed from the front side. The transparent member 32a can be formed of a water-clear acrylic resin material, or syntheticresin such as polycarbonate resin and polyallylate resin.

As shown in FIG. 39A, the gaming panel base 32 is disposed at such aposition where the transparent member 32 a covers a part or the entireof the liquid crystal display device 4. The transparent member 32 a iscomposed in such a manner that a bottom portion thereof and an upperportion of a wood member 32 b are joined to each other. As shown in FIG.39B, the gaming panel base 32 may also be composed in such a manner thatthe transparent member 32 a is fitted to a hole provided on a centerportion of the wood member 32 b. As shown in FIG. 39C, the gaming panelbase 32 may also be composed in such a manner that a portion 32 c on onesurface side of the transparent member is opaquely masked (painted,printed, and so on), and only the portion 32 a is made transparent.

(Modification Example 2 of Embodiments 1 to 3)

The liquid crystal display device 4 of this modification example isdisposed so as to be superposed on the entire or a part of the gamingarea of the gaming panel 30 a from the front surface side of the gamingpanel 30 a, and is one to display a display mode visually recognizableby the player when viewed from the front side. A specific descriptionwill be made below of the liquid crystal display device 4. FIG. 40 is aview showing an arrangement relationship between the liquid crystaldisplay device 4 of this modification example and peripheral portionsthereof.

As shown in FIG. 40, the liquid crystal display device 4 is composed insuch a manner that liquid crystal 203 is sealed between a protectioncover 201 and a protection cover 202, which have transparency. Theliquid crystal display device 4 is provided as a part of the glass frame10. A liquid crystal backlight (not shown) is provided above the liquidcrystal display device 4.

Here, the liquid crystal 203 is disposed on a conductive substancehaving transparency. The liquid crystal 203 has the transparency, thusmaking it possible for the player to visually recognize the gamingmembers provided in the gaming panel 30 a from the front side. OrganicEL and the like may also be used in place of the liquid crystal.

As shown in FIG. 40, the liquid crystal display device 4 is disposed onthe front surface side of the gaming panel 30 a, on which the gamingmembers such as nails 17 are provided. A gaming area 24 is providedbetween the liquid crystal display device 4 and the gaming panel 30 a,thus making it possible for the gaming balls to flow down the gamingarea 24.

On the liquid crystal display device 4, the above-described images,special symbols, and the like are displayed. A specific display controlprocess is similar to that of the above-described embodiment, andaccordingly, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Also in this modification example, the same function and effect as thosein the case of the embodiment can be obtained, and in addition, it isnot necessary to form the gaming panel 30 a of the transparent member.Accordingly, the conventional gaming panel 30 a can be used as it is.The disposition of the liquid crystal display device 4 is not limited tothe front or back side of the gaming panel 30 a, and other dispositionsmay be adopted.

(Modification Example 3 of Embodiments 1 to 3)

The liquid crystal display device 4 may be replaced by a video device bya projector system such as a digital light processing projector (DLP).FIG. 41 is a view showing an arrangement relationship of the videodevice by the projector system. As shown in FIG. 41, the video device bythe projector system includes a projector 401, and a screen 402 providedon the back side of the gaming panel 30 a. The projector 401 is a devicecapable of generating plural types of light related to the image, and isdisposed at such an angle where the generated light travels toward thescreen 402.

The screen 402 is a screen for imaging the image corresponding to theplural types of light emitted from the projector 401, and is disposed atsuch an angle where the imaged image is visually recognizable whenviewed from the front glass 11.

On the screen 402, the above-described images, special symbols, and thelike are imaged. A specific display control is similar to that of theabove-described embodiment, and accordingly, a detailed descriptionthereof will be omitted.

(Modification Example of Embodiments 1 to 3)

In this modification example, a terminal such as a personal computerexecutes a simulation game program stored in a server or the like, thusmaking it possible to reproduce the operation executed by the gamingmachine 1 in the above-described embodiment on a screen thereof. Notethat, in the following description, the operation reproduced on thescreen of the terminal is referred to as a pseudo operation.

A description will be made below of a method of executing the pseudooperation by the terminal while referring to the drawings. In thefollowing, a description will be made only of differences from theabove-described embodiment.

FIG. 42A is a view for explaining the method of executing the pseudooperation by the terminal. Moreover, FIG. 42B is an overview viewshowing a terminal 510 in this modification example.

As shown in FIG. 42A, a terminal 510 a and a server 500 are connectedeach other through a LAN, and a terminal 510 b and the server 500 areconnected to each other through a communication line network 520.

The server 500 stores the simulation program for executing the pseudooperation on a screen 511 of the terminal 510. Moreover, the server 500displays the pseudo operation on the screen 511 of the terminal 510 byexecuting the simulation program.

The simulation program includes a program for executing the main processincluding the special symbol control process, the regular symbol controlprocess, and the like, a program for executing the system timerintervention process including the random number update process, theswitch input detection process, and the like, a program for displayingthe pseudo operation on the screen 51 of the terminal 510, and the like.

Specifically, the simulation program includes a program for executing aprocess of displaying an image showing that the gaming balls enter anywinning opening and of giving a predetermined score when a predeterminedwinning condition is established, and the like. The score refers to apredetermined value given to the player.

The terminal 510 is connected to the server 500 through the LAN, thecommunication line network 520, or the like, and displays the pseudooperation on the screen 511 by a WEB browser and the like. The terminal510 may also be composed so as to execute the simulation program withoutdepending on the server 500 by downloading the simulation program fromthe server 500.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 42B, the terminal 510 includes the screen511, a body unit 512, and an input unit 513.

The screen 511 displays an image of the gaming area including the liquidcrystal display device 4, the starting opening 6, and the like, displaysimages of a behavior of the gaming ball, the variable display of thespecial symbol, and the like on the image of the gaming area, anddisplays the variety of images shown in the embodiment, and the like.

The body unit 512 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, andcontrols the respective processes in the terminal 510. The body unit 512stores the simulation program in the case of downloading the simulationprogram.

The input unit 513 is composed of a keyboard and the like, and carriesout a similar function to that of the launcher handle unit 40 a.

The terminal 510 includes a speaker which outputs the effect sound andthe voice which notify the player of the predetermined gaming state(winning gaming state and jackpot gaming state).

The communication line network 520 is the Internet, a satellitecommunication line network, and the like, which connect the server 500and the terminal 510 to each other.

The terminal 510 may also be composed so as to execute a pseudo gamebased on the simulation program captured from a recording medium such asa CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a ROM cartridge.

The pseudo operation may also be executed by a portable terminal 530shown in FIG. 43. A specific description will be made as below. FIG. 43is an overview view of the portable terminal 530. As shown in FIG. 43,the portable terminal 530 includes a screen 531 having a similarfunction to that of the above-descried screen 511, a speaker 532 havinga similar function to that of the above-descried speaker, and inputunits 533 having a similar function to that of the above-described inputunit 513.

According to this modification example, the server 500 (the terminal 510or the portable terminal 530) executes the pseudo operation based on thesimulation program, and the effects of the above-described embodimentand the modification examples thereof are thus obtained.

The present invention has been described above by the embodiments.However, the present invention is not limited to this, and theconfigurations of the respective portions can be replaced by arbitraryconfigurations having similar functions. The scope of rights of thisinvention is defined by the scope of claims.

1. A gaming machine, comprising: a display unit capable of changing adisplay state in response to a game; an operation unit operatable by aplayer; an information display control unit which allows the displayunit to perform switching display from a predetermined display state onthe display unit to information regarding the game; an operationdetermination unit which determines whether or not a predeterminedoperation has been performed by the operation unit; a clock counter unitwhich counts a time in a case where it is determined by the operationdetermination unit that the predetermined operation by the operationunit has been performed when the information regarding the game is beingdisplayed on the display unit by the information display control unit;and a display state control unit which returns the display state on thedisplay unit to the predetermined display state in a case where the timecounted by the clock counter unit has reached a predetermined time whileit is being left undetermined by the operation determination unit thatthe predetermined operation by the operation unit has been performed. 2.The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the information displaycontrol unit allows the display unit to perform the switching displayunder a condition where a gaming state is a plying state where apredetermined game is not played.
 3. The gaming machine according toclaim 2, further comprising: a variable display unit which performsvariable display of identification information when a predeterminedstarting condition is established; and a gaming control unit which setsthe gaming state to a specific gaming state advantageous for the playerwhen a result of the variable display of the identification information,the variable display being displayed on the variable display unit, hasresulted in predetermined variable display, wherein the display controlunit allows the display unit to display an effect image regarding thevariable display of the identification information from the informationregarding the game in a case where the information regarding the game isbeing displayed on the display unit when the predetermined startingcondition is established.
 4. A recording medium recording a program forallowing a computer to execute a simulation of a gaming machineincluding a display unit capable of changing a display state in responseto a game, and an operation unit operatable by a player, the programcomprising: an information display control process which allows thedisplay unit to perform switching display from a predetermined displaystate on the display unit to information regarding the game; anoperation determination process which determines whether or not apredetermined operation has been performed by the operation unit; aclock counting process which counts a time in a case where it isdetermined by the operation determination process that the predeterminedoperation by the operation unit has been performed when the informationregarding the game is being displayed on the display unit by theinformation display control process; and a display state control processwhich returns the display state on the display unit to the predetermineddisplay state in a case where the time counted by the clock countingprocess has reached a predetermined time while it is being leftundetermined by the operation determination process that thepredetermined operation by the operation unit has been performed.